06-24-2006, 08:56 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Delusional... but in a funny way
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I agree with what everyone else is saying - she should have a c-section to make sure she doesn't pass on the infection. As fredweena said, it can be extraordinarily serious if passed on to a newborn baby.
From http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_1201.asp
Quote:
What are the Symptoms of Herpes Infection in the Newborn?
Some infected newborns develop skin or mouth sores or eye infections. When the infection remains limited to these organs, most infected babies go on to develop normally, although serious permanent damage to nerves or the eyes can occur.
However, herpes infections in newborns often spread to the brain and many internal organs. Infected babies may appear irritable, eat poorly and have seizures. Even with treatment, about half of the infants with widespread infections involving the internal organs die, as do about 10 percent of those with brain infections. About 50 percent of babies who survive widespread infections and brain infections develop brain damage that can result in mental retardation, cerebral palsy, seizures, blindness or deafness.
How are Infected Newborns Treated?
Infected newborns are treated with acyclovir or another antiviral drug called vidarabine. These drugs are quite successful in treating localized infections of the eyes, skin or mouth, but are less effective once the infection has spread to the brain and other internal organs.
How can the Baby be Protected from Infection if the Mother Has Herpes?
If a pregnant woman has symptoms indicating an active infection (primary or recurrent) at the time of delivery, the baby usually can be protected from infection by a cesarean delivery. A vaginal delivery is safe for most women with recurrent herpes as long as they don’t have signs of infection at delivery.
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