title: Infection control of herpes simplex virus infections in obstetrics and gynecology.
abstract: The rising incidence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections and concern about nosocomial transmission require the establishment of effective, reasonable infection control measures. Guidelines are based on the knowledge that herpes is usually transmitted by direct contact but may also be spread by droplets. Obstetric inpatients with evidence of HSV infection, including lesions or a positive culture, should be given a private room and bathroom. Gown and glove precautions should be taken by hospital personnel in contact with contaminated areas or articles. Perineal pads and bed linens should be handled as infected discharges and double bagged. The mother can handle and feed her infant under supervision. Infants with suspected herpes infections should be kept in a special care, observation or isolation nursery unit. Hospital personnel with herpetic lesions on exposed body surfaces should not work with newborns, if possible. They may work with obstetric patients if the lesions are covered and strict hand washing is employed. To avoid herpetic whitlow, gloves should be worn on both hands when handling suspicious lesions. An employee with active herpetic whitlow must wear a glove on the involved hand while working in patient care areas. Anecdotal reports suggest that acyclovir is of value in suppressing whitlow.
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D005260:Female; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009773:Obstetric Nursing; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D012874:Skin Diseases, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission