Herpes infection in newborns
In rare cases, a newborn is infected with the herpes simplex virus (HSV) during delivery. This can result in serious health problems. An infected newborn's health problems are generally more severe when the infection affects several body systems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following treatment for newborns with known or suspected HSV infection:1
- Infections involving the skin (a rash that looks like blisters), eyes, or mouth: intravenous (IV) acyclovir for 14 days
- Infection involving internal organs, such as the liver, brain, or heart: intravenous (IV) acyclovir for 21 days
| Author: | Sandy Jocoy, RN | Last Updated: January 13, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease | |
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