How does herpes manifest in children? What are the types of herpes? Additional Treatments for Herpes Infection

Treating herpes in children is an almost impossible process. This is explained by the fact that the herpes virus, once it enters the body, cannot leave it so easily. The only option is to muffle the unpleasant symptoms and avoid dangerous consequences.

You also need to understand that everything depends on the individual characteristics of the child. In one child, herpes may appear once every three months, while another child may completely forget about this problem until adulthood, when the virus “wake up” against the background of an infectious or any other type of disease.

On the other hand, you need to be prepared for the fact that almost every baby suffers from this disease. Moreover, according to research by scientists, 100% of people on Earth have cytomegalovirus, and 90% of people have ordinary herpes.

Also, treatment of herpes in children directly depends on the type of virus. Today there are 8 categories of this pathology. By studying their manifestations and characteristics, you can decide how serious the disease is.

Types of Herpes

Let's take a closer look at all the varieties of this viral disease:

• Herpes type 1. This herpes is also called simplex. It occurs in a huge number of people and rarely prevents them from living a full life. If we talk about the symptoms and treatment of herpes type 1 in children, the disease, as a rule, does not require emergency treatment, but manifests itself in the form of rashes on the lips and on the wings of the nose. As a rule, redness does not itch and is not so noticeable. Therefore, most often, many do not even suspect that they have this pathology.
• Herpes type 2. In this case, the rash appears on the genital areas. This type of disease is much less common. However, quite often treatment of herpes in a child (type 2) must be carried out, since the infection can spread to the birth canal in girls, and in boys it can affect the head of the penis. In this case, children experience severe itching, which can develop into herpetic sore throat and stomatitis.
• Herpes type 3. In this case we are talking about the well-known chickenpox. One of the variants of this type of herpes is herpes zoster. However, such problems are quite rare in children.
• Herpes type 4. This variety is also often called the Epstein-Barr virus. Such a disease can provoke the appearance of infectious mononucleosis. This serious disease affects the lymphoid system. If a child is sick with infectious mononucleosis, then in this case he will suffer from fever, enlarged lymph nodes, pain in the throat, swelling of the adenoids, and an enlarged liver. This variety is quite dangerous, as it leads to complications and negatively affects the functioning of the immune system.
• Herpes type 5. In this case, the disease progresses quite quickly into a cytomegalovirus type infection. In this case, it may even be necessary to treat herpes in a child at 3 years old or even earlier. As a rule, this is due to the fact that the baby begins to attend kindergarten, where he becomes infected with the virus. Very rarely, the disease begins with intrauterine infection and is unlikely to lead to the development of serious impairments in the functioning of internal organs. In this case, an infection of this type may not manifest itself in any way for a long time, but this does not prevent the baby from being a carrier of the virus.

• Herpes type 6. This type of disease can lead to roseola or exanthema. If we talk about symptoms and treatment in children, it is worth noting that quite often this disease is confused with rubella. Among the main signs of the disease, parents should be confused by small pinkish papules located on the baby’s skin. When you press on them they begin to turn pale. In the initial stages of this pathology, the temperature may rise, but there will be no cough or runny nose. At the same time, the baby returns to normal very quickly. When treating type 6 herpes in children, doctors often do not start treatment for the infection itself, but try to overcome acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections. This is explained by the fact that the manifestations of this disease are very similar to ordinary flu, so it is worth drawing the doctor’s attention to the absence of other characteristic signs of seasonal illnesses.

The 7th and 8th types of herpes have not yet been fully studied, since they were discovered relatively recently. However, there is a theory that these ailments can cause chronic fatigue.

Why does herpes appear in the same place repeatedly?

First of all, it is worth considering that after the virus enters the body, it does not immediately begin to actively manifest itself. Usually, in the initial stages, it does not reveal itself in any way; accordingly, the symptoms of herpes in children do not appear in any way, and treatment is not required. If the child feels well and rarely gets sick, then this pathology may not bother you for years. However, as soon as the baby’s immune system weakens, for example, during acute respiratory infections, hypothermia, or during allergy attacks, the virus is activated.

After its awakening, it begins to actively multiply, which leads to the appearance of a rash on the skin and mucous membranes. As a rule, it is always localized in the same places. If the location of the herpes has changed, this may indicate an exacerbation of the disease.

After some time, the body gains strength and begins to actively fight the infection, which leads to cleansing of the skin and mucous membranes. Because of this, the virus “hides” until better times, when the baby’s immunity fails again. Therefore, treating herpes in children is quite difficult. It is never clear whether the virus has really been overcome or whether it has simply gone dormant and will soon appear again.

When is herpes most contagious?

If the virus is dormant and hiding in the ganglia, then in this situation there is no need to worry about the fact that it can be transmitted to other children.

However, during an exacerbation, it becomes especially dangerous for others, as it is quite easily transmitted. In order not to infect other children in the kindergarten, it is worth using specialized medications and starting treatment of herpes in children during the period of exacerbation of the disease and its active reproduction.

Can a breastfeeding baby get herpes?

It is worth considering that during the first three years of life, the child’s body retains the immunity of its mother. During this period of time, it is protected by the nutrients and beneficial substances that it received while still inside the woman’s womb. Therefore, it all depends on how the fair sex felt during pregnancy, whether she adhered to a healthy diet, and whether she did not consume alcohol or other harmful ingredients. Also, in some cases, newborn babies have a very weak immune system. Therefore, everything depends on many factors.

However, we can say with confidence that if the mother suffered from this virus during pregnancy or after the birth of the baby, then most likely it will be transmitted to the newborn baby.

Treatment of the herpes virus in a child during an exacerbation

If your baby suddenly develops unpleasant rashes, then in this case you can use a recipe for emergency treatment of the disease. To do this, you need to make lotions from 70 percent ethyl or camphor alcohol.

Alternating hot water and applying ice to the affected areas of the skin also have a positive effect.

If unpleasant blisters appear on the skin, then in this case, to treat herpes on the body of a child, it is recommended to use products that have a drying effect. Zinc paste, iodine and brilliant green are suitable for this. However, these tools must be used carefully.

For treatment, you can use furatsilin solutions or calendula tinctures in the mouth.

However, under no circumstances should you use hormonal ointments such as Flucinar. These remedies will not only not help, but, on the contrary, will worsen the situation. After using such products, rashes may remain on the skin much longer, and blisters may even begin to open. This is very dangerous as bacteria can get into them.

Options for getting rid of herpes

Looking at the photo of herpes in children, the treatment of which gave results, we can say with confidence that in this case complex therapy worked.

Regardless of the type of infectious pathology, you need to ensure that your baby drinks as much fluid as possible. It doesn't have to be water. Fruit drinks, compotes and natural juices are suitable (you just need to first make sure that the child does not suffer from an allergic reaction to one or another component).

If a child suffers from a high temperature when herpes appears, then in this case it is recommended to take children's antipyretic drugs, for example Nurofen.

You can also forget about herpes for a while with the help of antiviral drugs. However, the chosen course depends on the symptoms of herpes in children and the treatment of the disease, which is recommended by the pediatrician. As a rule, experts recommend using ointments (but not hormonal ones) if the rash is localized on the baby’s lips or genitals. Also, with the help of topical medications, you can cope with shingles.

It is worth resorting to tablets when it comes to acute manifestations of the disease, since they have a stronger effect, but this is not always useful for the baby. In the most severe cases, intravenous medications may be required. However, such procedures are carried out only in the case of the most complex herpetic infections.

Antiviral drugs

If we talk about drug treatment of this type, experts most often recommend the use of:

• "Acyclovir". This drug copes well with the first three types of herpes. In this case, the product can be used from the age of three. This product is sold in the form of ointments, tablets and powder solutions.
• "Zovirax". It has the same features as Acyclovir.
• "Viru-Merza". This remedy successfully fights types 1 and 2 of the virus. This drug is sold in the form of a gel that is applied to the baby's skin. However, it is worth considering that this remedy is not recommended for children; nevertheless, in especially severe cases, pediatricians prescribe it.

When should you not self-medicate?

If a baby suffers from an illness more than 3 times a year, then in this case the problems are much more serious. It is possible that the baby's immune system is not working correctly. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor and find out the cause of the possible manifestation of the disease.

Also, you should not experiment if signs of shingles or chickenpox are clearly visible on the baby’s skin. In this case, the development of herpes will occur to a more complex extent.

If there is even the slightest suspicion that a child is suffering from types 3-6 of herpes, then in this case you need to take into account that these varieties are highly contagious, so it is better to call a doctor as soon as possible. Otherwise, the entire household may begin to suffer from herpes.

Vaccinations

To date, special vaccines have already been developed against this unpleasant disease. However, it is worth considering that this procedure began to be carried out quite recently, so it is very difficult to talk about its effectiveness. However, according to scant data, this vaccination has helped many cope with an unpleasant illness. According to studies, after vaccination the likelihood of relapse is significantly reduced, and sometimes the disease disappears altogether.

Even if the vaccine does not help completely get rid of herpes, it will help you forget about exacerbations of this pathology.

As a rule, this type of treatment requires 5 injections with a break of 4 days. In this case, the course of treatment, as a rule, is at least 6 cycles.

However, it must be borne in mind that vaccination can only be carried out if the baby does not suffer from kidney or liver diseases. Also, this procedure is contraindicated for those who have been diagnosed with malignant tumors and intolerance to certain medications.

Vitamin therapy

It is quite obvious that if herpes occurs, this indicates that the baby’s body is weakened. In this case, it can be helped with vitamins B and C. Calcium also has a positive effect.

You can also start giving your child tincture of eleutherococcus. This remedy helps keep the body in good shape and has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system. In addition, eleutherococcus has a relaxing effect. Thanks to this, the functioning of the nervous system improves, the baby feels more alert and cheerful.

Folk remedies

If you watch programs in which Komarovsky expresses his opinion on the treatment of herpes in children, you can draw a lot of useful conclusions. For example, in order to get rid of unpleasant symptoms, you can use traditional medicine methods.

Some of the most effective remedies are lemon balm and mint. If you make lotions with these plants, then you can get rid of itching and redness quite quickly. To prepare a medicinal infusion, you need to pour 1 spoon of fragrant spice with a glass of boiling water and leave for 1 hour. After this, it is enough to moisten a cotton pad in the liquid and apply it to the affected areas of the skin 3-6 times a day, depending on the severity of the rash. The course of treatment depends on the complexity of the disease. When the signs of herpes disappear, you can stop using lotions.

Propolis will also help cope with the disease. This beekeeping product quickly copes with itching and redness. However, such drugs are prohibited for use if the baby suffers from an allergy to honey.

Eucalyptus oil can also help get rid of unpleasant blisters. In addition, it has excellent antiseptic properties. Thanks to this, pathogenic bacteria will not spread over large areas.

You can also prepare a decoction of calendula. Sea buckthorn oil has a good effect. However, before starting self-treatment, you should still consult a pediatrician.

Herpetic infections that affect children are quite diverse and are far from limited to the so-called cold sores. Moreover, it is in childhood that herpetic diseases most often occur, which the vast majority of adults do not even know about.

For example, the photo below shows the external manifestations of sudden exanthema (also known as roseola or pseudorubella) - a fairly common herpes infection, often found in children:

And here is herpetic panaritium, which is found in children more often than in adults:

In general, almost every child in the first few years of his life usually faces several infections caused by herpes viruses (many of which, fortunately, often do not make themselves felt at all in adulthood).

It is useful to keep in mind that the concepts of “herpes” and “herpetic infection” differ in their meaning. The word “herpes” usually refers to diseases caused by the herpes simplex viruses of the first and second types. In most cases, these are colds on the lips and genital herpes, less often - herpetic panaritium, ophthalmic herpes and some other diseases.

The concept of herpes infection implies infection of the body with a herpes virus of any type, and in terms of the number of manifestations, such diseases are much more numerous than even the “many faces” of herpes. Accordingly, treatment of herpes infection in each specific case may require completely different approaches, medications and sanitary regimes.

But first things first…

Causative agents of herpes infections and associated diseases

The whole variety of herpes infections is associated with 8 different herpes viruses:

1. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the most common. In children, this virus can cause colds on the lips, herpetic stomatitis, herpetic whitlow (ulcers on the fingers), “wrestling herpes”, herpetic keratoconjunctivitis, viral encephalitis and meningitis, herpetic esophagitis, eczema and sycosis;
2. Herpes simplex virus type 2, the most common cause of genital herpes. In children, it often manifests itself as neonatal herpes, or as a disseminated infection. Herpes viruses types 1 and 2 are often also called herpes simplex viruses;
3. Herpes virus type 3 causes the famous chickenpox in children. And in case of relapse it causes the so-called herpes zoster - more often in adults, but sometimes in children too;
4. Herpes virus type 4, also called Epstein-Barr virus. A rather little-known disease is associated with it - infectious mononucleosis. It is little known, by the way, not because of the small number of cases of infection, but because in most cases it is mistaken for a cold and the correct diagnosis is not made. In addition, some cancers are associated with this virus;
5. Herpes virus type 5, or cytomegalovirus. The infection associated with it is called cytomegalovirus. According to some experts, every person in the world is infected with this infection, but few people know about it due to the fact that in the vast majority of cases it does not manifest itself in any way in a persistent form;
6. Herpes virus type 6, also known as roseolovirus. Causes the so-called “sixth disease”, better known as infantile roseola or sudden exanthema;
7. Herpes virus type 7, almost identical to the previous one. It also sometimes causes exanthema, but in adults it is often associated with chronic fatigue syndrome;
8. And finally, herpes virus type 8, which is rather poorly studied. It is believed to cause Kaposi's sarcoma.

Herpes simplex on a child's hand:

Relapses of some of the diseases caused by herpes viruses have such unique symptoms that sometimes patients consider them to be independent diseases. For example, shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, but only in cases where the infection “dormant” in the body is able to be reactivated when the immune system is weakened.

The photo below shows an example of shingles in a child:

This is interesting: the widely known “herpetic” throat infection in children is not actually herpetic. It is called herpangina, but is not associated with either sore throat or herpes. This disease is caused by intestinal Coxsackie viruses, and it resembles a sore throat only in the form of a sore throat, and a characteristic rash similar to herpes. The photo below shows such a pseudoherpetic infection in a child’s throat. However, the herpes simplex virus type 1 sometimes causes herpetic stomatitis, which can also invade the tonsils, which leads to a sore throat.

Herpetic sore throat:

Any of the above infections can manifest in a child of almost any age: from the neonatal period to adolescence. However, as a rule, certain herpetic infections are characteristic of different ages:

• Newborn period and infancy - herpes of newborns when infected from the mother during childbirth, as well as sudden exanthema;
• Preschoolers - chicken pox and infectious mononucleosis;
• Children 8-12 years old - infectious mononucleosis, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus, labial herpes and herpetic stomatitis;
• Teenagers - labial herpes, herpetic whitlow.

Diseases such as, for example, shingles or genital herpes in children for various reasons occur relatively rarely (the latter, due to the specific nature of its spread, can occur in adolescents who begin sexual activity early).

It is useful to know the main symptoms that herpetic infections manifest themselves in in order to recognize the disease in time and not to stuff your child with medications for diseases with which such infections are often confused. We will talk about these symptoms in more detail below, but for now let’s look at how exactly the body is infected with herpes viruses...

How does a virus infect the body?

Herpes viruses vary significantly in their contagiousness and main routes of transmission. For example, herpes simplex viruses are transmitted by direct contact with fluid from papules (vesicles), while chickenpox and Epstein-Barr virus can be easily transmitted through airborne droplets.

After entering the patient’s body, viral particles, under favorable conditions, penetrate into the tissue cells of the host body. Here the protein shell of the virion opens, and nucleic acids with the genetic information of the virus rush to the cell’s replication apparatus.

If the genome of the virus is successfully integrated into the genetic material of a human cell, then the latter begins, together with the proteins it needs, to produce components of viral particles. From them, new virions are collected right inside the cells, which, when accumulated in large quantities, lead to the death and destruction of the cell. In this case, the particles themselves are released, enter the blood, lymph, or simply the intercellular space, affect neighboring cells and spread further.

Depending on the type of herpesvirus, its further existence in the body varies:

• When infected with herpes simplex viruses, some of the new virions cause skin lesions (most often on the lips), and some penetrate the nerve cells of the spinal cord, in which the DNA of the virus will remain in the future for the rest of a person’s life;
• When infected with chickenpox viruses and herpes virus type 6, virions quickly spread throughout the body and a rash appears on all parts of the body. In this case, again, the nervous tissue is affected, in which the virus can persist until the death of the host;
• The Epstein-Barr virus is tropic to the lymphocytes of the host's immune system, and it does not destroy them, but stimulates further proliferation;
• Cytomegalovirus in the host body infects the salivary glands in the largest quantities.

The photo shows chickenpox, one of the most common herpetic infections in children:

In most cases, primary herpetic infection is acute and without consequences. This is especially true for sudden exanthema, cytomegalovirus infection and infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

However, herpes simplex viruses in newborns can cause severe conditions, and without treatment, such infections can lead to serious complications and even death.

It is important to understand that herpes infections are among the most common in the human population in general. With a high probability, every one-year-old child has already had one of them and will have several of them before he reaches adulthood. Therefore, such an infection should be treated as normal.

This is interesting: about 90% of the world's population is infected with herpes simplex viruses. 52% of children aged 5 years and 95% of adults in the United States are carriers of the Epstein-Barr virus. Almost 100% of the world's population is infected with cytomegalovirus, with more than half of people becoming infected in childhood. Almost 100% of children in the countries of the former USSR get chickenpox, despite the fact that today a vaccine against it has been developed and is available for use.

Those herpes virus particles that have penetrated nerve cells or lymphocytes remain in the body forever. Virions produced by these cells are constantly released into the blood or into the intercellular space, where they are immediately destroyed by cells of the immune system. And only in the case of severely weakened immunity can they sometimes reach the corresponding tissues (for example, peripheral ones - say, the skin on the lips) and lead to re-infection of them with the development of a relapse of the disease.

This is interesting: in many children, relapses of herpetic diseases are mild and asymptomatic, which is why no one even suspects that these children are carriers of the virus and at certain periods of time can be sources of infection.

Herpes viruses have low interferonogenic activity, due to which, even when the infection is reactivated, the protective mechanisms in the child’s body are launched with a delay, as a result of which the virus has the opportunity to manifest itself, so to speak, fully.

Why are these infections essentially incurable?

A herpetic infection, once affecting the human body, remains in it forever. This is due to the localization of viral DNA in tissues that are extremely difficult or cannot be treated at all.

A good example is the herpes simplex viruses, as well as the chickenpox virus. After infection, the initial manifestation of symptoms and suppression of the infection by the body's defenses, the genetic material of the virus is stored in the nuclei of nerve cells in the human body in the spinal cord.

Today, medicine does not have the means and methods that would make it possible to selectively remove foreign genetic material from the chromosomes of human nerve cells, or to replace the spinal cord nerve cells themselves with uninfected ones. This means that as long as such cells remain in the body, the virus is stored with them.

And, for example, the Epstein-Barr virus multiplies in lymphocytes - cells of the immune system itself, which, in principle, should fight virions. As in the previous case, it is extremely difficult to destroy all lymphocytes in the human body. And doing this just to get rid of a virus, which in the vast majority of cases does not cause serious illness, is irrational.

In addition, it is problematic to prevent infection of those cells from which it will be impossible to remove the virus in the future. For example, when infected with herpes simplex viruses, nerve cells are affected even before the characteristic rashes on the lips become noticeable, and the chickenpox virus is already firmly established in the spinal ganglia when the child just begins to develop a rash all over the body. Simply put, when parents realize that their baby has a herpetic disease, it is no longer possible to completely eliminate its pathogen from the body.

Fortunately, most herpes infections are not so dangerous that you should worry too much about their presence in the body.

Dangerous consequences

In most cases, in healthy children, herpetic infections occur acutely, quickly and with virtually no consequences. The greatest danger, as a rule, is posed by herpes infection in a newborn child:

• Neonatal herpes, which a child becomes infected with during childbirth, or immediately before birth from a mother suffering from genital herpes. The consequences here can be the most severe - from eye damage to cerebral palsy and meningoencephalitis;
• Congenital cytomegalovirus infection, which in symptoms resembles infectious mononucleosis.

Herpes on the face of a newborn:

Also dangerous are oncological diseases, which in rare cases can be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (Burkitt's lymphoma), cytomegalovirus and herpes virus type 8 (Kaposi's sarcoma).

All herpes virus infections are also dangerous for children with severely weakened immune systems. In them, even simple herpes can lead to damage to internal organs and a generalized disease with a severe course. This is also true for children undergoing therapy with artificial immunosuppression.

Note: in HIV-infected children, herpetic infections are one of the leading causes of death.

A healthy child who has picked up an infection already in kindergarten or school will most likely tolerate it quite easily, and only symptomatic treatment will be required from parents and a doctor to alleviate the severe manifestations of the disease.

Dangerous “consequences” of chickenpox are shingles and often associated postherpetic neuralgia, which occur less often and mainly in adults with weakened immune systems (the word “consequences” is enclosed in quotation marks, since chickenpox itself does not cause shingles - it can develop only when the infection is reactivated in the body).

Note: if you constantly scratch the blisters during chickenpox, scars may remain in their place for life. The bubbles themselves develop on the upper layers of the epidermis and after recovery disappear without a trace.

Symptoms and differential diagnosis of infections

Each herpes virus infection is characterized by a certain set of symptoms that allow an experienced doctor to diagnose it in a sick person. On the other hand, the clinical picture in most cases looks like that parents mistake some herpes diseases for colds and do not consult a doctor.

In general, the characteristic symptoms of herpetic infections are as follows:

Typical external symptoms of roseola are shown in the photo below:

Some diseases may have similar symptoms (for example, mononucleosis and cytomegalovirus infection), and some of them are so reminiscent of typical respiratory diseases that they are treated like flu or sore throat.

In many cases, to reliably diagnose a specific herpetic infection, it is necessary to take blood tests or undergo a special examination at a clinic.

Treatment of herpetic diseases in children

Treatment of herpetic infections is carried out in situations where the disease is too severe. At the same time, to treat most infections, specialized antiviral agents are used, first of all, and in addition to this therapy, symptomatic treatment agents are used.

Of the narrowly targeted drugs, it should be noted:

• For infection with herpes simplex viruses, as well as chickenpox - Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Valtrex, Famvir and Famciclovir. Their use is not mandatory and, if used correctly, only allows to shorten the duration of the disease;
• When infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, symptomatic treatment is carried out - there are no specialized drugs against it;
• Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection is carried out with the help of antiviral agents - Ganciclovir, Foscarnet, Cidofovir, as well as with the use of specific immunoglobulin preparations - Cytotect, Megalotect and others;
• Sudden exanthema in children is not treated at all, or is treated with symptomatic therapy.

The use of interferon inducers and other immunomodulators for the treatment of herpetic infections is today not considered an effective and adequately safe method of therapy. In exceptional cases, such drugs can only be prescribed by a doctor and only under his personal responsibility.

Symptomatic treatment of herpetic infections involves the use of antipyretic and painkillers, and sometimes local hormonal ointments to reduce itching. By the way, the use of folk “green stuff” for both herpes and chickenpox has virtually no therapeutic effect.

Important! When you have chickenpox, aspirin cannot be used as an analgesic and antipyretic - this drug specifically for this infection can cause severe side effects on the liver.

As a rule, all herpetic infections resolve in children with normal immunity within 1-2 weeks. If the illness is prolonged or its symptoms are too severe, then the child should be shown to a doctor.

Is prevention possible?

To date, the chickenpox vaccine has passed all clinical trials and has been introduced into the vaccination calendars of the USA, Australia and Austria. According to research results, it provides reliable protection against infection with the virus, provides immunity for several years (after 20 years, the first vaccinated had 100% immunity and no one became infected with chickenpox) and is well tolerated, although it requires isolation of the child for several days immediately after vaccinations.

In Russia, vaccination against chickenpox is voluntary. The vaccine itself can be purchased at large pharmacies, although it is quite expensive.

There are currently no reliable vaccines for other herpes infections.

Prevention methods such as limiting the child’s communication with peers and strict sanitary measures are inappropriate, since the child will get sick in any case.

The only situation in which it is necessary to take truly serious measures to protect a child from contracting a herpes virus infection is an illness in a pregnant mother. Such situations are the most dangerous, and therefore doctors use strict methods for managing pregnancy and delivering birth in such cases.

Interesting video: the doctor explains what parents should do if their child has a type 4 herpetic infection

How can herpes be dangerous...

The invisible enemies of humanity - viruses - infect 80–90% of people of different ages. Herpes often occurs in children in the first days of life and affects various tissues and organs. The causative agent of the disease is transmitted transplacentally from an infected mother, and after birth - through household contact and airborne droplets. It is extremely difficult to protect against infection with the herpes virus, so care must be taken to strengthen the child’s immunity.

Antibodies received from the mother help the newborn baby resist infection and resist numerous viruses and microbes. As soon as the innate immunity is exhausted, the child is exposed to infection. Symptoms and treatment of herpes virus in children depend on the location of the affected tissue or organ and the typology of the virus. The incubation period from the moment the infection enters the child’s body until the first symptoms of the disease lasts from 2 days to two weeks.

Localization and types of herpetic lesions in children:

• keratitis, conjunctivitis and other damage to the organ of vision;
• skin and mucous membranes of the genitals;
• mucous membrane of the nasal passages, pharynx;
• nerve nodes and neurons;
• scalp and body skin;
• oral cavity.

Internal organs and nerves are affected by a generalized herpetic infection.

Among the numerous representatives of the herpesvirus family, there are 6–7 types that are pathogenic for children. The causative agent of the labial form of the disease and herpetic stomatitis is HSV-I (herpes simplex virus type 1). Oral and genital herpes are most often caused by HSV-II.

The cause of chickenpox and herpes zoster is Varicella zoster, a virus belonging to type III. Herpes on a child's body is often called "shingles." Herpesvirus type IV Epstein-Barr is the causative agent of dangerous diseases, in particular infectious mononucleosis. Cytomegalovirus type V causes infectious mononucleosis and hepatitis. About half of children develop viruses of types VI and VII by adolescence. These are the causative agents of sudden exanthema or “pseudo-rubella”.

Children most often become infected with HSV types I and II through contact and household contact. The most common viruses of the first three types cause herpetic sore throat, stomatitis, and gingivitis in children. They also cause skin lesions, especially around the mouth and nose. If the baby is 2–3 years old, then the symptoms of herpes cannot always be recognized in the first hours and days. The child becomes lethargic, feels unwell, has a headache, sore throat, and fever. Often, at first, the disease is easily mistaken for an acute respiratory viral infection or a cold.

Complications are typical for primary infection, as well as with weakened immunity in children.

A strong immune system protects the child’s body from the activation of the herpes virus in the tissues. This is the main reason for the small number of cases compared to the number of carriers of the infection. Before treating herpes in a child, it is necessary to find out how the infection occurred, against what types of virus this or that drug purchased at the pharmacy was developed .

Forms and symptoms of herpes simplex

The most common signs of localized forms of herpetic infection are visible on the child’s face around the mouth, on the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. First, slight swelling and redness appear in the affected area, itching and discomfort are felt. Then clusters of small bubbles appear, larger than 1 mm in size, with transparent, yellowish or whitish contents. Vesicles are located in groups and often merge. When the liquid in the bubbles begins to become cloudy, the walls of the bubbles open, erosions or drying out crusts appear.

If herpes infections of types I and II in children are not treated, symptoms may persist for 2-3 weeks. The skin usually recovers without consequences, scars remain only in cases of deep damage and secondary bacterial infection. The development of a primary viral disease is almost always a high risk of its spread in the blood. Possible damage to the liver, bronchi, lungs, brain and spinal cord. It is not uncommon for children to experience relapses of these types of herpes as they grow older.

Clinical forms of herpes infection types I and II:

1. Generalized- rashes occupy large areas of the skin and mucous membranes, accompanied by fever.
2. Recurrent - the rash appears on the head, genitals, legs, fingers; accompanied by pain, malaise, poor sleep and digestive disorders.
3. Zosteriform - rashes similar to herpes zoster appear on the arms, thighs, buttocks, and damage to the peripheral nervous system occurs.
4. Edema - damage to the red border of the lips, mucous membrane in the nose, and in the genital area.
5. Abortive - the disease stops at the initial stage.

An immunodeficiency state complicates the course and treatment of herpes in children.

With severe generalized herpes simplex, the temperature rises to febrile levels, intoxication occurs, and internal organs are affected. The spread of the virus is facilitated by blood transfer and scratching of the itchy surface. As in the case of a localized form, itching, burning, and blisters appear. In addition, symptoms of intoxication increase: febrile temperature, appetite disturbances, weakness, insomnia.

Herpes in newborns

The development of herpetic infection in infants is possible in the prenatal, peri- and postnatal periods. A viral infection in the first trimester of pregnancy can cause fetal death and lead to developmental defects after birth. If a baby suffers from herpes in the first days of life, then a generalized form often develops, and the child’s condition is serious.

The presence of genital herpes in the baby's mother increases the risk of infection of the newborn by up to 60%.

Infants are less likely to get sick after contact with virus carriers (parents, nurses, children). Typically, the incubation period lasts one to two weeks, after which mucus begins to be released from the nose. Bubbles in the mouth, nasal passages, cheeks, and limbs appear after 24 hours or later, after 7–12 days.

Vital reflexes in newborns, such as sucking and swallowing, are disrupted by viral damage to the brain and internal organs. It is possible to develop hepatitis, pneumonia, nephritis and other dangerous diseases in infants. A child often dies as a result of convulsive syndrome or apnea (stopping breathing).

Therapy for different types of herpes

Acute herpetic stomatitis

The disease begins acutely with fever, refusal to eat, and severe salivation. The child’s gums become swollen and red, and after two or three days specific ulcers appear. Severe intoxication, high fever, aphthae in the mouth - all these are symptoms of herpes simplex in children. The infection is more often diagnosed in children under one year of age, less often at 2 years of age, and in children over 3–4 years of age.

Herpesviruses types I and II can affect both the oral cavity and the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Similar ulcerative lesions are caused by type VI of the herpes virus.

How to treat herpes infection in the nose and mouth in children:

• Chamomile infusion for mouth rinse.
• Acyclovir or other antiviral agents.
• Solutions of furatsilin and rivanol for wiping the oral mucosa.
• Immunostimulating, interferon-containing drugs (cycloferon, viferon).

When the disease begins as stomatitis in an infant, the baby often spreads the infection to the skin himself. If children are 2 years old, treatment of lesions of the skin and mucous membranes is carried out with Acyclovir cream. The dose for children under 2 years of age is halved. Acyclovir improves the well-being of children on the second day of treatment. Apply the product every hour up to 5 times a day. The course of treatment is from 5 to 10 days.

Genital herpes

The disease develops when children are infected through contact and household contact from parents or other carriers of herpesvirus type II, less often type I. At first, the child feels tension in the skin, itching and burning begin. Then bubbles appear in the same place. When the elements of the rash open, erosions of various shapes and depths are formed.

With genital herpes, blisters appear on the skin of the groin area, on the thighs, and the genital mucosa. At the same time, infection of the urinary tract is possible, then urination becomes painful, the temperature rises to subfebrile levels. Without treatment, cellular immunity is formed within 2–3 weeks; with treatment, the disease is stopped earlier.

Ophthalmoherpes

Variants of damage to the organ of vision by the virus - keratitis and conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers. First, the conjunctiva turns red, vesicles appear on the skin of the eyelids, under the eyelashes, then lacrimation and photophobia develop. After 24–72 hours, the infection spreads to the cornea and resolves after 3–4 weeks. For newborn children, the disease is dangerous due to severe ophthalmological lesions. As a result, the cornea becomes cloudy and visual acuity decreases. Herpes keratitis is treated with eye ointment for herpes for children "Acyclovir", placing a small volume of the product in the conjunctival sac 5 times a day for a week.

Herpes infection in the nervous system (NS)

After penetration of the herpes virus into the central nervous system, the development of encephalitis or meningoencephalitis in children is possible. The causative agent of the disease penetrates the neurons of the brain and spinal cord through the bloodstream, as well as along the nerve tracts. The infection can remain latent for a long time and becomes more active during hormonal changes, after injuries, or under extreme climatic conditions.

Herpetic encephalitis is characterized by the severity of symptoms and dangerous consequences for the health and development of the child. Timely use of acyclovir to relieve infection reduces the likelihood of death, although the risk of neurological complications is quite high. Complex therapy is required, followed by long-term rehabilitation treatment.

The generalized form of herpes is as severe as herpetic encephalitis and meningitis. Clinical manifestations and symptoms depend on which organ is more affected. Most often, the pathological process develops in the liver, less often in the lungs, heart, and pancreas.

Complex treatment of herpes in children

It is necessary to use medications that inhibit the activity of the virus and increase the body’s immunoreactivity. Medicines based on acyclovir relieve pain and eliminate discomfort, accelerates the drying of blisters and the formation of crusts. The advantage of such drugs is their positive effect on the immune system (immunostimulating effect).

Medicines with specific antiviral effects

The solution to the problem of how to treat herpes has the most important aspect - the need to use antiviral agents. Such drugs stop exacerbations, prevent new rashes and relapses. The most well-known antiviral medications contain acyclovir. Trade names of drugs with this active substance: "Zovirax", "Acyclovir", "Ciclovir". The main dosage forms are creams, ointments, tablets, powders for making solutions.

Acyclovir injections and tablets for children with herpes:

1. Teenagers over 12 years old- administer intravenously 5 mg/1 kg body weight three times a day (every 8 hours).
2. Children after 2 years- orally, 1 tablet 200 mg 5 times a day, for prevention - 1 tablet four times a day.
3. Herpes simplex in a 1 year old child- orally, 0.5 tablets 5 times/day for five days, for prevention - 0.5 tablets 4 times/day.

Acyclovir effectively fights herpes simplex viruses types I and II, Varicella zoster, Epstein-Barr.

Side effects of acyclovir:

• abdominal pain, nausea;
• difficulty breathing;
• skin rashes;
• bowel disorders;
• headache:
• fatigue;
• drowsiness.

The antiviral drug Florenal effectively suppresses the activity of the herpes virus. Three dosage forms are available: drops, ointment and eye films. The drug "Florenal" is used for herpetic lesions of the skin, eyes, stomatitis, and herpes zoster. The duration of therapy ranges from 3 to 14 days. Doctors recommend combining treatment with Florenal drops and ointment.

Gevisosh ointment with the active ingredient epervudine is used externally as an antiherpetic agent, active against herpes simplex and herpes zoster viruses. Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area up to 4-5 times a day for 5 days. It is recommended to begin therapy at the first symptoms of herpes. Antiviral treatment of children, as well as immunocorrection, must be carried out under the supervision of a pediatrician.

Herpes is a viral disease characterized by damage to various organs and tissues: skin, mucous membranes, brain, lungs, genitals, etc.

There are several types of herpes virus: currently there are eight known. One of these viruses can cause both, and. In children, the cause of the disease is most often the herpes simplex virus, which affects the skin (for example, on the wings of the nose, thighs, buttocks, etc.) and mucous membranes (most often). But in some cases, this virus can also affect other organs (eyes, genitals).

Children in the first year of life rarely get sick, as they receive immunity from their mother. Only severely weakened infants can get sick. But if the mother has it, then even a healthy newborn can become infected during childbirth and then get sick: the virus in the birth canal is in an active state.

Most often, children are infected at 3-4 years of age, and by the age of five, about 80% of children have antibodies to the herpes simplex virus.

Children become infected from sick family members or other infected children. The virus enters the child’s body in two ways: airborne droplets and household contact. After a baby is infected, the virus does not always immediately cause symptoms of the disease. It penetrates into clusters of nerve cells (nerve ganglia) and remains there throughout life.

For a long time, the virus may not manifest itself in any way. During this period, an infected child is not dangerous to other children, since he will become a source of infection only during the period of active reproduction of the virus. If it is good, then the virus can remain “dormant” all your life, and the disease will never develop.

When the immune system is weakened, when any illness occurs in a child, even when hypothermia (or overheating) occurs, the virus quickly multiplies and manifests itself. More often this happens in the autumn-spring period.

The following factors can also provoke the first manifestation of infection or its exacerbation:

• poor nutrition;
• and acute respiratory infections;
• stressful situations.

Symptoms

Most often, rashes in children appear on the lips, near the nasal passages. But blisters can also appear on other areas of the skin (cheeks, thighs, buttocks, arms). Children often scratch the blisters, resulting in sores.

With your hands, a baby can transfer the virus to his mouth, ears, and eyes. Quite often children develop aphthous in this case. Herpetic eye lesions are very dangerous (not only the cornea, but also the retina can be affected). The development of the process in the ears can lead to hearing loss.

At first, the bubbles have transparent contents, but after a couple of days they become cloudy. If the child does not comb the bubble, it dries out and a crust forms. On the lips, the crust disappears after about 2 days, on the skin - after a few days. With constant scratching and tearing off the scab, the healing time is delayed.

As a rule, the child's general condition remains satisfactory. Some children may have a fever.

Most often, rashes during exacerbations always appear in one place. But the location of the rash may change with each exacerbation.

After the disappearance of the clinical symptoms of the disease, the virus will again wait in the nerve ganglia for the next moment for a new exacerbation. Therefore, herpetic infection has a recurrent cyclic course. The frequency of occurrence of exacerbations varies (from several weeks to several years).

In newborns the disease is severe. Clinical manifestations after infection during childbirth appear by 4-7 days of life. The temperature rises to high numbers. Abundant rashes appear not only on the oral mucosa, but also on the skin, in the eyes, and in the intestines. The bronchi, liver, and adrenal glands may be affected.

Often the infection also affects the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain). Such an extremely severe course of herpetic infection can lead to the death of an infant or cause disability for a child.

Treatment

All mild cases of a child contracting herpes can be treated at home. Of course, treatment of newborn children is carried out in a hospital. Children of any age with damage to the eyes and nervous system are hospitalized.

At home, if the disease worsens before bubbles appear, you can prevent the development of the disease and “interrupt” the process. To do this, you can cauterize the site of the rash with 70% ethyl alcohol (can be camphor), or alternate applying pieces of ice and napkins moistened with hot water.

If the bubbles have already poured out, then you need to treat them 2-3 times. per day with brilliant green, Castellani paint, paste, tea tree oil (undiluted).

If the oral mucosa is damaged, rinse with furatsilin solution, Rotokan, calendula tincture (1 tsp per 200 ml of water).

The use of ointments that contain (Hydrocortisone, Flucinar, Elokom, Celestoderm, Advantan, etc.) contraindicated!! These drugs help to increase the duration of the disease and suppuration of the blisters.

From the very first day of illness, special ones are prescribed that affect the virus itself. These drugs are available both in the form of external use (ointments, gels, creams, liniments) and in tablets for internal use.

You can only use external agents yourself. Ointments with an antiviral effect are used (Acyclovir, Zovirax, Oxolinic, Florenal, Tebrofenov, Bonaftone ointments). The earlier treatment is started, the more effective it is.

Antiviral tablets should only be prescribed to a child by a doctor! He will determine not only the necessary drug, but also select its dose and duration of medication. The doctor will prescribe the child both a vitamin complex and (if necessary).

To cleanse the skin faster, you can use applications for 10 minutes. 1 rub. per day with enzymatic preparations (Chymopsin, Pancreatin, Lysozyme). Crusts that have formed on the lips or on the skin can be lubricated or lotions made with rosehip oil, sea buckthorn oil, Shostakovich's balm, oil solutions of vitamins E and A. To stimulate local immunity, sodium nucleinate and methyluracil ointment can be used.

Methods for treating herpes using traditional medicine are also known. They can ease the child’s discomfort and speed up recovery, but these recipes can only be used in children who are not predisposed to allergic reactions.

• Celandine herb juice for lubricating bubbles: lubricate 5 times with an interval of 5 minutes, and this procedure must be repeated three times a day. Lubrication can be replaced with a lotion with juice on the area of ​​the rash 3 r. a day for 4-5 minutes. If there is a rash in the nasal passages, celandine juice can be dripped into the nose.

If herpes recurs often, then you can prepare the herb for future use in this way: wash the plant (all its parts, even the root), thoroughly, chop with a blender (or through a meat grinder), squeeze out the juice and package it in small bottles or jars (not to the very top), leave at room temperature for fermentation, covered with gauze napkins. After a week, close the jars with lids and store in the refrigerator.

• In the initial stage of the disease, smearing the infection with toothpaste can have an effect.
• Lubricate the affected areas with fresh quail egg whites.
• You can apply a compress of freshly grated potatoes, apples, and garlic to the affected areas.
• If itching is severe, you can apply an ice cube.
• Lubricate the rash with onion or milkweed juice.
• Lubricate the affected areas with alcohol tincture of propolis.
• 1 tbsp. mix honey with 0.5 tsp. mustard and lubricate herpetic rashes.
• Calendula infusion (pour 1 tsp of flowers into 100 ml of boiling water, leave for 1 hour) can be used in the form of lotions.
• You can lubricate rashes at the crust stage with sea buckthorn oil.
• Add 5 drops of eucalyptus oil to 1 tbsp. vegetable oil and wipe the affected area (crusts).
• Lotions can also be made with vegetable oil and salt (a pinch of salt per 1 tablespoon of oil).

In addition to local treatment, the child should be provided with plenty of fluids, high-calorie foods, fruits and vegetables (sources of vitamins), and fermented milk products.

Prevention

To prevent infection of a child, the following measures are necessary:

• isolation of a family member or child from a children's group who has herpes from the very first day of illness;
• observing personal hygiene rules and providing the sick person with individual dishes, towels, etc.;
• timely examination of pregnant women for TORCH infections.

• sanitization of all foci of infection in the body;
• hardening of the body;
• taking vitamin complexes and minerals;
• Avoid overheating and hypothermia of the child.

An antiherpetic vaccine exists and has begun to be used. But the experience of using the vaccine is still insufficient.

Herpes is one of the very common viruses that affects both adults and children. Once the herpes virus enters a child’s body, it remains in his cells for life. No one has yet been able to get rid of it, but it is possible to make sure that the virus appears as rarely as possible. In nature, there are a wide variety of types of herpes in children, but eight types have been studied that can harm humans.

• 1 type(labial herpes, “cold”), herpes simplex in children.
• Type 2 genital herpes (on the genitals),
• Type 3 everyone knows “Chickenpox”, herpes
• 4 types in the Epstein-Barr children,
• 5type cytomegalovirus infection,
• 6 type HHV-6,
• 7 type HHV – 7,
• 8type HHV – 8.

According to statistics, the entire population of the earth is carriers of herpes, so by the age of 5, 85% of children have this virus in their bodies, which penetrates the cells of the nervous system and remains there in a weakened state for the rest of their lives. But under certain circumstances, the virus “wakes up” and begins to rapidly multiply, thereby manifesting itself.

Herpes simplex virus in children type 1.

It appears on the lips of a child (cold), this sore is introduced with unwashed hands, food, toys, airborne droplets, etc., and is the most common type. In addition to hypothermia, it can also be provoked by the sun and climate change. It is localized on the lip in the form of small blisters and may be accompanied by malaise, less often by fever. If your baby has these symptoms, then you may develop herpetic sore throat or stomatitis in the future. You can draw certain conclusions that this type of herpes, being the most common, is not as “severe” as its other “brothers,” but it can also cause serious trouble:

1. Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, membranes of the eye.
2. Cause a malfunction of the central nervous system.
3. Inflammation of peripheral nerves (neuritis).
4. Damage to the heart, kidneys, joints.

Treatment.

To treat herpes simplex in children, you can use folk remedies: take herbal teas, if you are not allergic, for example, Echinacea, which will help strengthen the immune system and resist viruses. You can also use it to wipe away rashes on your lip by moistening a cotton pad.

When the first blisters appear on the lip or even before them, feeling burning and itching, you can use antiviral ointment VIFERON, ACYCLOVIR, OXALINE ointment. Lubricate frequently after 4 hours.

The second type of virus is genital.

Which a child can become infected with during childbirth from the mother if she is sick with genital herpes. Rashes appear on the genitals, on the inner thigh, and then on other parts of the body. The course of the disease can lead to complications in the form of herpetic sore throat and stomatitis, which affects the oral mucosa.

The third type of virus.

Causes: It has long been believed that if you suffered from this disease in childhood, you will no longer be infected with it due to the developed lifelong immunity, but this is not so. Unfortunately, the disease can manifest itself again, but in the form of shingles.

Herpes type 4 in Epstein-Barr children.

It is one of the most widespread pathogenic viruses on the planet and is responsible for the development infectious. The first contact with the virus occurs in childhood. In most people, infection occurs asymptomatically or may resemble a common acute respiratory infection. The initial stage is not dangerous for the body as it does not affect the functioning of internal organs, but in the future it can manifest itself causing serious diseases.

Infection occurs as usual with viral infections by airborne droplets (sneezing, coughing of virus carriers), household contact (toys, hygiene items), from mother to child, blood transfusion, sexually (saliva, kisses).

What diseases can the Epstein-Barr virus (or herpes type 4 in children) cause?

1. Infectious mononucleosis.
2. Genital herpes.
3. Lymphogranulomatosis.
4. Herpetic sore throat.
5. Multiple sclerosis.

The most dangerous role of herpes type 4, it contributes to the development of cancer:

1. Stomach cancer.
2. Cancer of the small and large intestine.
3. Burkitt's lymphomas.
4. Leukoplaxia of the mucous membrane of the tongue and oral cavity - nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Symptoms

1. The body temperature rises and can persist for a month, without chills or sweating.
2. The child will be weak and lethargic.
3. Your baby will complain of a headache.
4. The nose will be stuffy.
5. The throat will be red and painful when swallowing, and plaque will appear on the tonsils.
6. Lymph nodes will be enlarged: cervical, submandibular.

The most interesting thing is that the usual treatment prescribed for viral infections will not be effective. At the height of the disease, symptoms of liver damage appear: the urine darkens, the color of the skin and eyes becomes yellow, nausea appears, appetite decreases, and blisters appear on the skin in the form of hives. Only after two or three weeks the child’s well-being improves.

After recovery, lifelong immunity remains, but the herpes virus remains in the body for life, that is, you turn into a virus carrier.

Therefore, with a decrease in immunity, the disease may recur, but in a milder form, like a simple cold.

If your child complains of a sore throat, an examination revealed enlarged lymph nodes, and the body temperature is elevated, then in this case you need to conduct a series of examinations:

1. Complete blood test.
2. Do: ALT, AST.
3. ELISA takes blood from a vein to determine antibodies to herpes virus type 4.
4. PCR to determine part of the DNA of a specific virus strain.
5. : liver, spleen, pancreas in order to determine the extent of damage.

Treatment of type 4 virus in children.

1. It is necessary to remain calm and dress warmly.
2. Antiviral drugs: Acyclovir. Medicines are taken to eliminate complications and speed up recovery.
3. When a secondary infection occurs, antibacterial therapy is carried out.
4. Drink plenty of fluids.
5. Gargling with infusion of chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort.
6. Treatment of the pharynx with Chlorhexidine, Miramistin
7. If your throat is swollen, you will need hormonal therapy
8. Treatment with immunomodulators (Viferon) plus vitamins to normalize the functioning of the immune system and faster recovery.

Complications.

It happens extremely rarely, but if a secondary infection occurs, then complications are possible:

1. Damage to the facial nerve.
2. Development of mental disorders.
3. Severe liver damage.
4. Inflammation of the membranes of the heart (Myocarditis).

With reduced immunity, this infection can degenerate into a malignant one; Burkitt's lymphoma develops; a tumor forms in the jaw area, which can spread to other organs (thyroid gland, mammary glands, pelvic organs).

Having such serious consequences and considering that herpes infection cannot be cured, the task of pediatricians is to minimize recurrences of viral diseases.

The fifth type of virus is Cytomygalovirus.

Abbreviated as CMV, it is one of the types of herpes infection and is found in medical practice as often as herpes simplex in children of the first type. And we can say with confidence that almost the entire population is infected, with the possible exception of a group of people who live in isolation from the rest of the population.

Infection occurs mainly in childhood; if someone managed to avoid infection in childhood, then the likelihood of getting this virus also exists in adulthood (up to 45 years). Newborns and children with weakened immune systems suffer the most from this disease. This virus, like other types of herpes in children, enters the body inside the cells and remains there for life and can remain there in an inactive state.

CMV infection is a common infection and is transmitted from person to person by contact, that is, it is not difficult to become infected with it, since the virus is contained in all biological fluids of the body (saliva, sweat, blood, sputum, feces, urine, tears, sperm, human milk ). This infection process is called acquired. Receipt of viruses occurs asymptomatically and is not dangerous to the child’s health. But there is a congenital moment of infection or during childbirth, in this case the infection is dangerous for the child’s life, especially dangerous for newborns, whose immunity is weak and undeveloped; and for children without immunity at all, against the background of SIV infection. With congenital infection, there is a high probability of developing defects of the nervous system, heart, digestive system (problem with sucking and swallowing), genitourinary system, hearing and vision.

What are the symptoms of CMV infection?

The symptoms are very similar to colds, such as ARVI:

• Increased body temperature;
• Runny nose;
• Sore throat, redness;
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck;
• Weakness;
• Headache;
• Muscle pain;
• Enlarged liver, spleen.

Cytomygalovirus infection can be diagnosed using a laboratory ELISA test, which can be used to determine whether the virus is congenital or acquired.

Immunoglobulin class G appear in the blood serum approximately a month after CMV infection, it shows that the body has already had close contact with the virus and has successfully survived the infection. This immunoglobulin remains in the body for life and allows the immune system to quickly respond to increased virus activity. Immunoglobulin class M responsible for the primary immune response upon first encounter with cytomigalovirus.

Interpretation of ELISA analysis for Cytomegalovirus.

JgG + ; JgM — ; - such an analysis suggests that primary infection is not possible, an exacerbation began against the background of reduced immunity.

JgG — ; JgM + ; - primary infection requiring immediate treatment.

JgM – ; JgG +; — there is no immunity to cytomegalovirus, so there is a risk of primary infection.

JgM + ; JgG + ; — cytomegalovirus is present in the body and the process of exacerbation is underway.

To more accurately determine the duration of infection, the pediatrician will suggest that you take an ELISA test with avidity.

Avidity in CMV infection.

• 40% — recent primary infection .

40 – 60% — “gray zone” is an indeterminate stage of primary infection, must be repeated after 1-2 weeks.

More than 60% - highly active or long-standing infection.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus infection.

Treatment is carried out in acute forms of infection, when it is needed immediately; antiviral drugs based on interferon with vitamins; Ganciclovir, Foscarnet, Cytotect, Viferon.

Unfortunately, antiviral drugs will not cure the infection, but will help to avoid complications and the active stage of the disease and thereby transfer the disease to an inactive (latent) form. At one time, the latent form does not require specific treatment; parents will need to follow the child’s daily routine, proper and balanced nutrition according to the baby’s age.

Harden the body, take daily walks in the fresh air, and ensure a calm psycho-emotional climate in the family.

If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, it is necessary to begin treatment with antibacterial agents.

Traditional medicine can also be used in treatment, but since decoctions of various herbs are used in treatment, it is necessary to coordinate such treatment with a pediatrician. You can use herbal teas; rose hips, St. John's wort, birch buds, flax seeds.

Herpes virus type 6.

For a long time, this type of virus was not fully studied by scientists and was considered generally not dangerous, but now, pediatricians and other doctors have attracted the attention of herpes virus type 6. The fact is that this type of virus can cause acute and chronic morbidity of organs and cause severe diseases of the central nervous system, can lead to disability of the child, and cause harm; liver, digestive system, lungs, bone marrow. This type of virus, having entered the body for a long time, remains unnoticed by immune cells, which allows it to exist in it for a long time. It is transmitted through sick people and carriers of the virus by airborne droplets, even from the mother during pregnancy and childbirth. Children aged 6 months to one year are most often susceptible to the disease.

Symptoms

1. An increase in body temperature to high levels and the appearance of a pink rash on the child’s body.
2. Blistering rash on the skin.
3. Enlarged lymph nodes in different places.

After the rash, the temperature no longer rises, and there are no other manifestations of a cold. A rash in the form of blisters appears on the face, chest and abdomen and then spreads throughout the body; the rash can be confused with chickenpox, measles, and rubella. The child must be isolated and consult a doctor.

Treatment.

Since children are more often susceptible to the disease, it is therefore more difficult to choose treatment for this type of herpes in children due to the fact that it is too early for them to take many medications, and this is a huge problem for pediatricians and their parents.

From a young age you can use Viferon both in suppositories and in the form of ointment. Candles of 150,000 are recommended to be placed for 5 days, one candle twice a day with an interval of 12 hours. The ointment is applied to the elements of the rash in a thin layer up to 3-5 times a day, for about a week or a little less. When used together, the effect improves.

Complication of herpes type 6.

1. When a child's body temperature rises, convulsions may begin, which can be dangerous and provoke epilepsy.
2. Meningitis.
3. Encephalitis.
4. Pneumonia.

The seventh type of herpes.

Another type of herpes in children. This type is quite young, identified by scientists less than 30 years ago.

It is very similar to herpes type 6; it is almost impossible to distinguish them. Infection occurs in childhood. It is transmitted by airborne droplets, stays in the body for a long time, can “hide” from the immune system and is activated when immunity decreases. Just like all types of herpes, it remains in the body for life.

Symptoms

1. Temperature increase.
2. The appearance of a spotty rash.
3. Redness in the throat.
4. Enlarged occipital lymph nodes.
5. Or maybe without any symptoms.

There may be more manifestations of the disease, but the virus has not yet been studied well and it can only be detected by blood tests. Blood is given for ELISA, PCR, you can also do an immunogram, to check your immunity, as a rule, it will be reduced, and it is necessary to strengthen it.

Treatment.

Treatment is necessary when the virus is in the active stage; in the “sleeping” mode, the virus is not touched; according to doctors, there is no point. During this period, you need to strengthen your immune system; take walks in the fresh air, nutritious nutrition according to the child’s age, avoid stress, strengthen the child.

Herpes virus type 8.

It is a young virus that scientists identified about 24 years ago. It affects lymphocytes, blood cells, which are responsible for immunity in the body. It is transmitted mainly through sexual contact in adults, and in children during birth from the mother. Type 8 herpes is dangerous only for those children whose immunity is constantly reduced, and these are HIV-infected children; in others it is very, very, rare. Herpes virus type 8 is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma. Mostly children from Africa are affected; lymph nodes and internal organs are affected. To identify the virus, blood is donated by ELISA and PCR.