Herpes, also known as herpes simplex virus (HSV), is a common viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide. There are two main types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes, which leads to cold sores around the mouth, while HSV-2 typically causes genital herpes.
Although herpes may seem like a minor inconvenience for many adults, it can pose serious risks to newborn babies. Newborns can contract herpes during childbirth if the mother has an active outbreak of genital herpes or if she acquired the infection shortly before giving birth.
When a baby contracts herpes, it can lead to a condition called neonatal herpes, which can be life-threatening. Newborns have immature immune systems, making them more vulnerable to infections. HSV can cause severe complications in these young infants, affecting their brain, liver, lungs, and other vital organs.
And this is true for both forms of the virus.
The symptoms of neonatal herpes can vary but may include blisters on the skin or mucous membranes, fever, poor feeding, irritability, seizures, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, neonatal herpes can result in serious neurological damage, developmental delays, and even death.
To protect newborns from herpes, it's crucial for expectant mothers to undergo regular prenatal care and inform their healthcare provider if they have a history of genital herpes or any active symptoms. In such cases, healthcare providers may recommend antiviral medications during pregnancy or delivery to reduce the risk of transmission.
If a new Mom has an active outbreak of genital herpes during labor, a cesarean delivery (C-section) may be performed to minimize the chances of the baby coming into contact with the virus. C-section delivery is generally recommended when active genital herpes lesions are present, as it lowers the risk of transmission.
