Doctors in the UAE are reporting a rise in cases of oral herpes (HSV-1) among school-aged children, especially during the cooler winter months. The virus, which typically causes blisters around the lips and mouth, can also affect the inside of the mouth or even the eyes.
Medical experts believe the virus spreads more easily in winter due to increased social gatherings and food-sharing activities in schools and homes. “HSV-1 is highly contagious and spreads easily through shared items such as drinks, eating utensils, and towels,” explained Dr. Ignatiius Edwin D’souza, a consultant paediatrician at Thumbay University Hospital.
Dr. D’souza further emphasized that oral herpes is becoming more common among school-age children and teenagers, with many first contracting the virus during early childhood through close contact with an infected person, like a parent or sibling.
Socializing Increases Risk
The winter months exacerbate the spread of the virus, as more social events at schools, such as field trips, sports days, and other gatherings, increase the chances of transmission. Families also tend to socialize more during this time, leading to more sharing of personal items like snacks, drinks, and lip balm.
“The combination of heightened social interaction and item-sharing significantly contributes to the rise in oral herpes cases,” said Dr. D’souza.
Symptoms of oral herpes typically include small, painful blisters around the mouth, often accompanied by itching, tingling, or a burning sensation. In primary infections, especially in children, symptoms may also include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a sore throat. “Recurrent episodes are generally milder and may be triggered by factors such as stress, illness, or sun exposure,” said Dr. Amjad Mouhammad Haider, consultant paediatrician at International Modern Hospital in Dubai.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Haider noted that oral herpes is most common among children under six years old and is generally self-limiting in healthy children. However, the condition can be confused with other illnesses, such as canker sores, impetigo, or even a cold. A virus culture (PCR), blood test, or biopsy may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis. “Diagnosis is crucial for proper management, and laboratory tests can confirm the infection when needed,” he added.
Dormancy and Reactivation
Doctors also highlighted that the herpes simplex virus can remain dormant in the body after the initial infection and may reactivate later, often triggered by stress or illness. “Some individuals may never show symptoms, while others may experience occasional outbreaks,” said Dr. Hamza Rahhal, consultant paediatrician at Saudi German Hospital, Dubai.
Although HSV-1 is a common virus primarily causing oral herpes, no approved vaccine is currently available. “Research into a vaccine for HSV-1 is ongoing, but a widely available and effective vaccine has not yet been developed,” Dr. Rahhal stated.
As cases of oral herpes continue to rise, health experts urge parents and schools to be mindful of the virus’s spread, particularly during the winter months when social interaction and item-sharing increase.
