Herpes

You don't mention what type of herpes. The virus strains are usually very site specific and is more likely to affect those with a weakened immune system. Type 1 is your typical cold sores appearing on the face, but there are other types affecting different parts of the body (whitlow affects the hands, wrestler's usually affects the chest). Type 2 is genital.

Passing the virus on without an open infection IS possible, but not likely. Your nanny was open to tell you about it, which one might conclude means she is conscious of it and responsible in dealing with it. I'm going to assume she has genital herpes, since you express concern about changing diapers? Her virus would be covered during the day, and I would assume that she thoroughly washes her hands after going to the bathroom. I would not personally be overly concerned.

There are antiviral drugs she can take to keep the virus at bay. I've had whitlow for the past 18 years (nobody has ever caught it from me). I took the drugs for years, but have found myself outbreak free since discovering that lemon balm is a powerful antiviral. Now I just grow my own medication.

I would be very concerned. As a CNA when I was pregnant I was not allowed to give care to a resident with Herpes. Because I could catch them and give them to my child. I would ask your childs pediatrician and see what advice they can give you. I am sure that your nanny is wonderful and since finding someone you are comfortable with and you trust to watch your children is far and few these days I would see what measures you can take to protect your children if there is concern.

Hope all goes well for you,
Good Luck

Herpes is direct contact with the open sore to catch it just like a cold sore. It is in the same family as cold sores, chickenpox, and shingles. if it will make you feel better go to webmd and also chat w/ your ped. about it.

on her lips or vagina? obviously if it vaginal, you dont need to worry...on her lips, im sure shes aware not to kiss the babies if she has a cold sore. 1 out of 4 americans has it . I think i know like 8 people who have it. you do too, they just dont broadcast it. Thats strange that you know that about your nanny....??? Love to know if she voluntarily told you...

I have read that herpes can only spread from genital contact...so your nanny and kids should be fine. Of course hand washing never hurt anyone, and of course I would never share towels with her...maybe she could have a set that was a different color from the rest of yours (if she is bathing..not for hand towels)

Hi M.,
I think at this point, most of the world has herpes of some form, mainly on the lips or face. Some people call them cold sores, but a cold sore is herpes, just a different type than the one you get in the genital area. There are certain times when it is VERY contageous, mostly when you can see the oozy outbreak. She should NOT touch her face whatsoever during this time as she could even spread it to herself. Most people get it innocently enough, by getting kissed by an aunt when they are little, or by kissing as teens when they are not aware of what it is, or even by using the same towel.

I'm guessing she told you that she has this which is very noble of her. If so, I would have her wear gloves when changing the baby's. The main concern if she does wear the gloves is when the kids get close to her to hug her or horse around with her. I have herpes on my chin from a boyfriend. He had been to the doctor but the dr just told him it was a virus, which it is, but the dr never said the "H" word which he should have so we would have been horrorified by the word, and we would have been way more careful. A simple kiss from a boyfriend 20 years ago has left me with a lifetime of this disgusting virus. as it lays dormant in the back of the neck until something causes an outbreak (it is never contageous while dormant, only when there is an outbreak)

Now, I have two kids. I am VERY careful not to let them too close to me when I have the outbreak which can last up to 10 days if untreated. The have never gotten it and will never get it from me if I can help it. They are more at risk of getting it on their faces because I don't touch it with my hands and I make it a point to wash my hands more often anyway when I am having an outbreak.

There is medecine that the dr can prescribe so that she may never get it again called Valtrex, or there is medicine that she can take as soon as she feels the tingle that will totally shorten the length of time she has it to maybe even a couple of days, and it may not get to the point where it is contageous. I got it a lot when I first started getting it, now I hardly get it once a year. Stress, sunlight, and menses are three of the most common things that can bring it on.

There are so many people that have it and we are not even aware, at least you know and you can take appropriate measures, whatever that means for you. I certainly would not fire her if she is good to your kids as it is not her fault that she has it. Good luck, oh, and I have two girls also, 3 and 6:)

Hi M.,
If its on her lips, Its important that she NEVER share drinks, food, kisses, etc. The herpes virus can be spread several days BEFORE an outbreak. This is why it has become so common. If she is careful and great with your kids, I wouldnt let it be a major concern. You may let her go and get someone else that is less qualified and not tell you about something they have........ at least she was honest.

Hi M.,
I was very interested to see the responses you received to this question. This is an issue that I am very close to since I get cold sores a lot. I took a sip from a friends soda in 8th grade, not knowing she was in the middle of an outbreak, and I've been having outbreaks on my lips ever since. I think Dawn L gave you an awesome overall summary. The important points being that she should be very concientious to wash her hands a lot, epecially after apply medication etc. I have two kids, ages 1 and 3 and am terrified that I could pass it to them. I love to kiss my girls and get down on the floor and horse around with them. So when i get an outbreak, I'll put a bandaid over it to prevent contact. If your nanny has the Type I herpes that manifests as cold sores on her face or lips you might recommend she wear band aids in the small event one of the kids touches her face accidentially. But I definitely concur with everyone else that the chances of her passing it along are very slim as long as she takes the proper preventative measures. Just mentioning it to you in the first step in showing her concern about it. Good luck!

As long as she washes her hands after every trip to the bathroom you should be fine. If she is a live in just make sure no bath towels are shared and you should be fine. So many people have genital herpes and I personally dont think of it as a big deal as long as normal sanitary and hygene practices are kept.

if she uses proper percautions no you should not be concened. that is great she told you... on the other hand maybe she should call your ped. doctor and ask.. i know i would be leary just cuz they are my kids and she does use your bathroom..

M.

M. -
I have the "Cold Sores" type of Herpes and as long as your nanny doesn't kiss your kids, let them drink from her glasses, and is very good about hygiene during the outbreak, your kids should be fine.

When I had them, I was very vigilant about washing my hands. If you are still nervous, you can get medical gloves for her to use while she is changing the kids or when they are going potty.

Good luck...
L.