Herpes can it be passed to children

Even the ability of integrated HHV-6 to replicate producing new infectious virus remains an open question. Researchers have discovered, however, that HHV-6 inserts itself into telomeres , DNA regions at chromosome ends that are important for immune regulation and aging.

Viral integration into telomeres can disrupt chromosome function and spark a plethora of complications, including cancers, says Steven Jacobson, chief of viral immunology at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, who was not involved in the work.

In fact, preliminary evidence already exists that HHV-6 may be associated with some lymphomas , a diverse set of cancers affecting the cells of the immune system.

HHV-6 also has been a suspected culprit in neurological disorders, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. Preliminary evidence even suggests that antiviral therapies could successfully treat central nervous system dysfunctions in patients with chromosomally integrated HHV-6, according to Stanford University infectious disease specialist Jose Montoya and his student Mitchell Lunn, who presented their unpublished work at a recent conference.

For now, Hall and her colleagues plan to continue following the congenitally infected infants to determine if their development is adversely affected by the presence of HHV-6 in their genomes. The good news, Hall notes, is that physicians have the tools to diagnose these inherited infections at birth, empowering families to take preventive measures if further study reveals that HHV-6 adversely affects kids who carry it.

Already a subscriber? Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are sometimes called fever blisters.

The most common cause of cold sores is the virus called herpes simplex virus 1. The herpes simplex virus in a cold sore is contagious. It can be spread to others by kissing, sharing cups or utensils, sharing washcloths or towels, or by touching the cold sore before it's healed. The virus can also be spread to others 24 to 48 hours before the cold sore appears. Once a child is infected with the herpes simplex virus, the virus becomes inactive dormant for long periods of time. It can then become active at any time and cause cold sores again.

The cold sores usually don't last longer than a few days, or up to 2 weeks. Hot sun, cold wind, illness, or a weak immune system can cause cold sores to occur. A child is more at risk for cold sores if they live with someone infected with the herpes simplex virus. Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. In other cases, a child may have severe flu-like symptoms and ulcers in and around the mouth.

When cold sores come back after the first infection, symptoms are usually not as severe. The most common symptoms of cold sores include:. A small blister or group of blisters on the lips and mouth that get bigger, leak fluid, then crust over. The symptoms of cold sores can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

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What are Cold Sores? How Do Cold Sores Spread? When problems can arise: The virus from cold sores can spread to the eyes, which can lead to HSV keratitis , an infection of the cornea—the clear dome that covers the colored part of the eye. Do Cold Sores Come Back?

Common Cold Sore Triggers: Once a child is infected with the cold sore virus, it is more likely to return during times when the body's immune system is run down or the skin becomes irritated from other causes.

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