Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases
Herpes, Oral
Commonly, these infections are acquired for the first time in early childhood and may reappear throughout a person's lifetime (recurrent infection).
Cause
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
Symptoms
Primary infection causes blister-like sores inside the mouth (gingivostomatitis) and on the gums. Fever and irritability may also occur. Recurrent infections (cold sores, fever blisters) appear on lips and face. Some children may have the virus in their bodies, but do not develop symptoms. Herpes simplex virus can also cause infections of the eyes, fingers, and central nervous system.
Spread
By close person-to-person contact, such as through direct contact through kissing and contact with open sores, contact with saliva (e.g., from mouthed toys) or touching the fluid from the blisters or sores.
Incubation
It takes 2 to 14 days from the time a person is exposed for the first time until symptoms occur.
Contagious Period
First occurrence (primary infection): up to 2 weeks, occasionally up to 7 weeks. Recurrent infection: usually 3 to 5 days.
Exclusion
Child Care: Primary infection - until those children who do not have control of their oral secretions no longer have active sores inside the mouth.
Recurrent infections (fever blisters and cold sores) - None.
School: None.
Treatment
A topical medication may be prescribed.
Prevention/Control
- Encourage children not to touch the sores.
- Regular and thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after having contact with the sores or saliva.
- Wear disposable medical gloves when touching the sores is necessary (e.g., when applying medication).
- DO NOT kiss an infected person on or near the mouth when sores are present.
- Clean and sanitize mouthed objects, and surfaces at least daily and when soiled.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.
Herpes (Cold Sores) Parent Fact Sheet
Your child may have been exposed to:
Herpes (Cold Sores)
Herpes simplex is a viral infection that may cause sores in the mouth or on the lips and face. The sores are commonly called cold sores.
If you think your child has Cold Sores:
- Tell your child care provider or call the school.
- Need to stay home?
Child Care:
First infection: Yes, if children that drool have active sores.
They can return when the sores in the mouth have healed.
Recurring infections: No.School: No.
Symptoms
The first time a child is infected, there may be blister-like sores inside the mouth and on the gums. A child may have a fever and be fussy. The cold sores and fever blisters may occur many times in a person’s life.
If your child is infected for the first time, it may take 2 to 14 days for symptoms to start.
Spread
- By having direct contact with saliva, commonly by kissing.
- By touching the fluid from the blisters or sores.
Contagious Period
First infection: up to 2 weeks, sometimes longer. Recurring infection: usually 3 to 5 days.
Call your Healthcare Provider
- If anyone in your home has symptoms of oral herpes infection.
Prevention
- Remind children not to touch the sores.
- Wash hands after touching anything that could be contaminated with secretions from the mouth or the sores. Your child may need help with handwashing.
- Clean and disinfect objects that come in contact with the sores or secretions from the mouth. Use a product that kills viruses.
- DO NOT kiss a person with sores on or near the mouth.
- Use a cotton-tipped swab to apply medication.
For more information, call the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) Bureau of Communicable Disease Control and Prevention at 573-751-6113 or 800-392-0272 (24/7), or call your local health department.