Because her son was exceptionally beautiful and adorable, many people would pick him up and kiss him. Within days, the baby's eyes became swollen and blistered. The young mother rushed him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with herpes simplex. After treatment, his eyes healed completely.
However, in March this year, the condition recurred in the baby's eyes. Prompt treatment resolved it without major issues, but the doctor warned that untreated cases could lead to blindness. The young mother now feels deeply anxious—had the baby not been hugged and kissed by strangers during the full-moon ceremony, this outcome might have been avoided. She hopes her son's experience will serve as a warning to other parents: never allow strangers to kiss your baby.
What exactly is herpes simplex?
It's a disease caused by the herpes virus, highly contagious and primarily spread through direct contact. This infant contracted it after close contact with a stranger already infected with the herpes simplex virus.
What symptoms appear after herpes simplex infection?
1. A 2-10 day incubation period with no symptoms.
2. After incubation, small blisters appear on the skin.
3. Some babies may develop persistent high fever, along with oral inflammation, localized swelling, and bad breath.
4. Herpes simplex is self-limiting, typically resolving within about 20 days. Unless complicated by secondary infections, it rarely leads to viral encephalitis.
How to prevent herpes simplex?
1. Parents should avoid kissing their child on the lips. Instead, kiss the forehead or hands, or give hugs. Strangers should refrain from direct contact with the child's facial skin.
2. Boost the baby's immunity through dietary adjustments. Provide more protein-rich foods or those high in vitamin C, as these nutrients significantly support immune function.
3. Frequently wash and change the baby's bedding. Ensure that the baby's face towels and toothbrushes are for personal use only and are not shared with adults.
4. If the baby's skin is accidentally injured, promptly treat the wound to prevent inflammation, as the virus can easily enter through open wounds. Prevent the baby from scratching the area.
The above outlines basic knowledge about herpes simplex. While it isn't inherently terrifying, inadequate prevention can cause significant distress for infants. Furthermore, herpes simplex is prone to recurrence, often reappearing when a child's immunity weakens.Therefore, parents must prioritize prevention by implementing necessary precautions. If blisters appear on your child's skin or they develop a fever, seek immediate medical attention. If blisters occur in the facial triangle area, avoid breaking them to prevent infection, as infection in this region can directly affect the brain and lead to encephalitis.