Herpes Simplex I (cold sores)

There are two types of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 . Infections with type 1 usually involve the mouth and are from person to person by direct contact with infected droplets of saliva or by contact with the lesions.Infections with type 2 usually involve the genital tract and are spread by sexual contact.

The first time children are infected with Herpes Simplex type 1 , they often have no illness. However some children will get an acute illness with high fever and painful ulcers throughout the mouth. The illness usually lasts for a week or more. The ulcers may be so painful that the child is unable to eat or drink and has to be hospitalized.

Herpes virus produces a lifelong infection. The herpes virus can survive in body cells and become active again. Some people get recurrent attacks in the form of vesicles or blisters on the lips, called fever blisters or cold sores. The number of attacks of cold sores and the pain felt with the sores varies greatly from person to person.

MOT:
direct contact with infected saliva

Symptoms:
fever
ulcers in the mouth
drooling
irritability

Treatment
Supportive
analgesic for fever
analgesic for pain

Management
avoid hot foods
oral hygiene
proper handwashing