Herpes Simplex

Viral infection

A viral infection characterized by lesions around the mouth, on the face and upper part of the body. They are commonly called “cold sores” or “fever blisters”. Fever blisters or cold sores usually on the face and lips crust and heal in a few days. It may present as pharyngitis or conjunctivitis. Sunlight, fever, local trauma, and stress sometimes trigger these symptoms. Sores usually start as tingling or burning pain on gums, inner lips, cheeks, and turn into a reddened sore accompanied by a fever.

2 to 12 days

Direct contact with an infected person. Until the sore is crusted over, the virus can be transmitted from mouth to mouth, saliva and respiratory droplets. Herpes spreads through contact with active sores or contaminated hands.

During presence of lesions and if the virus is being shed asymptomatically.

Implement Universal Precautions/Blood Borne Pathogens Procedures. Routine personal hygiene measures can help prevent herpes simplex infections from being transmitted; for example, towels, clothing, and eating and drinking utensils should not be shared.

Exclusion from school not required. Individuals need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Though the individual is under treatment, all sores must be covered until they have healed.