Download Oral Herpes (Cold Sores) - Northern Kentucky Health Department

Oral Herpes (Cold Sores)
In the child care setting, children and staff may have herpes simplex infections of the lips and mouth.
Commonly, these infections are acquired for the first time in early childhood and may reappear
throughout a person’s lifetime. Herpes simplex virus can also cause infections in the eyes, fingers and
central nervous system. There is a second type of herpes simplex infection that is sexually transmitted
and most often affects the genitals.
CAUSES:
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
SYMPTOMS:
Fluid-filled blisters (cold sores, fever blisters) appear on the lips
and face; less often in the mouth (gingivostomatitis). They
usually crust and heal within a few days
SPREAD:
By close person-to-person contact, such as through direct
contact with saliva or the sores (for example, kissing)
Most experts believe that herpes is not spread from non-human
sources such as lipsticks, towels, washcloths, drinking glasses or
toys. However, personal items such as washcloths or glasses
should not be shared for sanitary reasons
INCUBATION:
It takes two to 12 days from the time a person is exposed until
symptoms occur
CONTAGIOUS
PERIOD:
Virus may be present for five to seven days; sometimes for
months. First time infection can be contagious for seven days to
several weeks. Recurrent infections shed the largest amount of
virus for three to four days after symptoms appear
EXCLUSION:
Exclude children who do not have control of oral secretions for
as long as active sores are present inside the mouth. No
exclusion necessary for mild herpes in children who are in
control of their mouth secretions
PREVENTION/CONTROL:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Frequent careful hand washing by child care staff, children and household members.
Caregivers may wear gloves when contact with lesions is necessary (for example, when
applying medication).
Do not kiss an infected person when lesions are present.
Clean, rinse with clean water, then sanitize mouthed toys at least daily and when soiled. (See
Section Two for Cleaning and Sanitation Guidelines, pages 7-12)
For more information, please call the Northern Kentucky Health Department at 859.363.2070.
Reviewed April 2011
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