There are a couple hurtles when treating neonatal herpes. Damage that
is done to the body cannot be reversed by treating the herpes virus but
hopefully will put a stop to any further damage. The other hurtle is that
the treatment will only affect the symptoms and not actually be a cure.
The last hurtle is that the virus will sometimes become dormant until
years later.
It is extremely important to begin treatment as soon as possible when it comes to neonatal herpes. Mothers who know they have herpes should let their baby's doctor know the minute the newborn shows signs of illness. Mothers who are intimate with partners who have herpes must alert the physician quickly if their infant becomes ill because even if they aren't aware they have herpes, it is very likely.
The fact is that even if both parents have never had any visible signs of herpes, it is still possible for the newborn to have neonatal herpes. Consult your health care professional and have them explain how the potential of herpes and other related issues are being studied. Even if your newborn having a positive diagnosis is a pretty remote possibility, asking your health care professional to check for herpes will rule out any risks to your infant. If your physician will not investigate the possibility of herpes, they need to give you in detail the reasons for not testing your child.
When your newborn is diagnosed with neonatal herpes, the treatment used is called Zovirax, an antiviral medication acyclovir. This medication is usually administered by a simple injection. Unfortunately, this is not a cure but it can diminish the condition.
The good news is that physicians can now detect neonatal herpes much sooner and in less severe cases than in times past. What this means is better chances for the infant with herpes. Unfortunately, the findings are still done after unalterable damage has already happened to the child's body.
Treatment is readily available for the condition of neonatal herpes but the treatment is still not a cure. Neonatal herpes is actually a challenge to prevent. Caring for the parents may in turn help diminish the danger of infection in the infant. More research is need to come up with an effective vaccine but it is hopefully a further possibility.
The treatments undertaken for the newborn must be a result of a qualified health care professional. All medical issues need to be fully discussed with the doctor. In time it is hoped that the baby can be effectively protected by giving a vaccine to the baby, the mother or both and that there will be stronger medicines available.