Alexis White EBA: Management of Herpes Simplex virus in children

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I found this to be a very interesting article due to the fact that it is relatively common and has detrimental effects on both the mother and child. According to the article there are many ways that herpes can present in the children. In neonates, herpes SEM (skin, eye, and mucosa) is responsible for 45% of infections, CNS Herpes (encephalitis) accounts for 30% of cases and the most serious form, disseminated neonatal herpes, accounts for 25% of infection in neonates and these are just a few of the ways in which the disease can present itself. The article states that approximately 60 to 90% of older adults have HSV and most of them were infected before the age of 15.

Being that this is such a serious condition with such a disastrous potential, it is imperative that medical personnel be attentive to the signs and symptoms of this disease since it can present in the form of a simple rash is often mistaken for something less serious. The virus throws a curve ball in the mix because it has the ability to be both asymptomatic and symptomatic. Due to this, the importance of a medical history is key. Women who are infected with the disease primarily during their pregnancy can be treated  with topical or systemic medications as well as with  nutritional supplements although there is no cure.

A diagnosis of herpes doesn’t necessarily mean these individuals live a less than ideal lifestyle, it just means it has to be better managed in terms of managing stress, diet, and medications. Even during pregnancy, the outlook doesn't have to be a gloomy as long as the patient has the correct treatment.  It could have a positive outcome by implementing a cesarean section to avoid a risky childbirth. This article proves that as future medical professionals in the nursing field we must remain observant while doing efficient assessments. This ensures that patients and clients alike can have a greater quality of life by avoiding a medical predicament that could possibly end in death if left untreated.

Childbirth is only one of the ways in which the disease can be transmitted. It can also be transmitted by skin to skin contact, bodily fluids, and possibly sharing eating utensils and drinking cups as well. This is one of the reasons why utilizing universal precautions with everyone is of utmost importance at all times.
In the unfortunate event that transmission cannot be prevented, it is important to remain consistent in treatment of outbreaks so that the quality of life can be improved and the individual does not have to needlessly suffer.

Citation

 Druggee, J. M., & Allen, P. J. (2009, February 27). Management of Herpes Simplex virus in children. Retrieved November 30, 2016, from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=c8h&AN=105602108&site=ehost-live