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Subject:
From:
Christine Betzold <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sat, 2 Feb 2002 16:25:35 EST
Content-Type:
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First this sounds more like chicken pox (herpes zoster)  than herpes simplex.
  Two very different illnesses in a the same family of viruses.  Was the
child ever immunized to prevent chicken pox?

If mother has not been immunized or had chicken pox then she should be
immediately tested and given gamma globulin and immunized in the future  (if
she tests negative) .   The incubation period is up to 21 days but most
develop symptoms by day 18 if I recall correctly.

Herpes simplex's incubation is anywhere from  2-14  DAYS.    She can take
zovirax while pregnant and/or breastfeeding prophylactically.   Herpes
simplex can occur on trunk, arm , etc but it is fairly uncommon.   I have
never seen it in more than one area at a time.

Shingles ( a reactivation of Herpes zoster)   would occur along a nerve root
and not in several places.

Chicken pox is primarily transmitted via airborne droplets NOT skin to skin
contact.  Herpes simplex is transmitted via fomites or skin-to-skin contact.
She has already been exposed--to late to  prevent chicken pox by isolating
the mother from the toddler.  Breastfeeding doesn't make it any more or less
likely to become ill with chicken pox.

If diagnosed with herpes simplex on the nipple/breast this could pose a
serious risk to a newborn.
     Christine Betzold NP IBCLC

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