On rare occasions, 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 blisterlike rash), 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
Credits
| Author | Sabra L. Katz-Wise |
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease |
| Last Updated | January 18, 2007 |
Ralph Poore
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