Pediatricians

[ImJustme1]

I was just diagnosed with HSV-2 and I was shocked and worried about my 3 year old daughter. I used to take baths with her all the time. She would always want me to get in with her because she was scared or I would get in when I'm washing her hair. Also, I used to kiss her on the lips. Now I'm afraid to even let her touch me because I don't want her to be infected. Do pediatricians test kids for HSV and if so should I have her tested? And should I be afraid to kiss her?

[ImJustme1]

Thank you so much you just made me feel so much better. I appreciate your answer.

[gracefromHHP]

We do not have an accurate blood test for use in children at that age. It's also absolutely not worth testing for it either!!!  genital herpes is a sexually transmitted virus. It's not transmitted thru something a simple as tubby baths together - it takes the heat and friction of sex to transmit. We do not have that sort of contact with our children and you don't have to worry about transmitting to them. Just simple washing your hands after touching your genitals is all it takes and even if you forget to do that, incredibly unlikely to be an issue.

Genital herpes is not a reason not to kiss your child either!!

Now go give your 3 year old a huge bear hug and squeeze the stuffing out of her and tell her how much mommy loves and adores her :)

grace