Diet to Prevent Herpes Outbreaks

Herpes, sometimes called the herpes simplex virus or HSV, has two separate varieties: HSV-1 and HSV-2. A person can be infected with either or both viruses. It was once thought that HSV-1 caused mouth-sore herpes while HSV-2 caused genital herpes, but that has proved to be untrue: either virus can manifest in either the mouth or genitals. Herpes is not curable, but there are medications and lifestyle changes that can help to prevent outbreaks. While as of 2011 there is no specific diet that has been shown to prevent herpes from occurring, some research indicates that a particular amino acid may be helpful in doing so. About Herpes Herpes is an insidious virus that has been affecting people for thousands of years. The herpes family includes HSV-1 and HSV-2, which constitute herpes simplex, and herpes zoster, which causes shingles and the chicken pox. Herpes viruses are unique in that they travel and live along neural pathways and can remain dormant in nerve clusters for years. In order for herpes simplex to be transmitted from person to person, there must either be an exchange of body fluids like saliva, semen or vaginal fluid, or the uninfected person must have an open wound that the herpes virus can use to easily access his body, like a cut in the mouth or a scratch on the genitals. Oral herpes is generally spread by contact with saliva, either by simple contact like touching or through more personal contact like kissing or sharing eating utensils. Genital herpes is generally spread through sexual contact with an infected person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reports that one out of six people from ages 14 to 49 are infected with HSV-2, and that more women than men are infected with the virus. Additionally, they state that it is more common for a man to transmit HSV-2 to his female partner than for the reverse to occur. Symptoms and Complications of Herpes Symptoms of herpes vary with how long a person has been infected and whether or not she has previously experienced an outbreak. It is not uncommon for someone to go a time without even realizing she has been infected with herpes. In those who do experience symptoms of genital herpes, usually the first one is a tingling sensation in the genital area or even the buttocks and upper thighs that usually occurs within about two weeks of the sexual contact. The tingling sensation is typically followed by the formation of lesions in the genital area. These lesions may start out as blisters and then become more painful open sores that itch as they heal. In addition to the symptoms of the lesions themselves, many people also flu-like symptoms such as headaches, body aches and fever during their first herpes outbreak. Later outbreaks tend to be similar, but much shorter in duration. Oral herpes symptoms are almost always on and inside the mouth. Blisters form and then become painful weeping sores that may take up to two weeks to fully heal. Small children are especially susceptible to "cold sores" or oral herpes. The most severe complications from genital herpes involve pregnant women. If you have herpes, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider while planning your pregnancy or as soon as you know you are pregnant. If steps are not taken, herpes infection could possibly be transferred to the newborn baby, causing what is known as neonatal herpes. Neonatal herpes, while quite rare, can be fatal. Other complications from herpes involve people who are immunocompromised and can include encephalitis or brain swelling, pneumonia and esophageal inflammation. (ref. 2) Treating Herpes While there is no cure for herpes, modern medications have made managing this disease much easier. If you have been infected with the herpes virus, your physician will most likely put you on a regimen of prescription antiviral drugs. As of 2011, antiviral medication is the only regimen that has consistently been shown to help prevent or shorten herpes outbreaks--no changes in diet or supplement regimens have been as successful as medication. Antivirals commonly prescribed for genital herpes including valacyclovir, famciclovir and acyclovir work to help prevent outbreaks or reduce the length and severity of outbreaks. Antivirals also make it less likely that you will transmit herpes to someone else. Depending on your outbreak history, your healthcare provider may have you take antivirals daily, or she may suggest that you only need a prescription if you begin actively experiencing an outbreak. Oral herpes tend to go away on their own within one or two weeks. If you experience an outbreak that lasts longer or is especially severe, your physician may prescribe medication. Diet and Alternative Remedies for Herpes There are changes in your diet, topical ointments you can apply and herbal supplements you can take that may lessen your chances of having an outbreak or lessen the severity of outbreaks as they occur. Unfortunately, no such regimen has been consistently successful in treating or preventing herpes, but you may wish to experiment with one to see if it helps you. Remember: you should speak with your healthcare

provider before beginning any treatment regimen, even if it consists only of supplements or herbals. The University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, suggests a few supplements that have shown promise in clinical trials. The amino acid lysine, which is found in eggs, chicken, fish and potatoes as well as in supplements, has been shown by some studies to lessen the duration of herpes outbreaks and also to prevent lesions from forming. While a diet rich in lysine is sometimes recommended for people infected with herpes simplex, if you have high cholesterol or heart disease, it is important that you speak with your physician before you begin increasing lysine in your diet. It is also important to note that not all studies have shown a benefit in increasing your lysine intake, so proceed with caution if there are reasons that lysine supplementation could be harmful to you. Zinc supplements and topical applications of zinc like zinc oxide creams have shown effectiveness in helping to heal cold sores; and propolis, a high-antioxidant substance produced by bees, has shown some promise when used in a topical ointment as well. One herb that UMMC mentions adding to your diet if you are infected with herpes is Siberian Ginseng. One study examining the impact of this herb on herpes found that it lessened the severity and duration of outbreaks. However, Siberian ginseng should not be taken by people with a history of high blood pressure, sleep apnea or narcolepsy, or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any herbal medication regimen. (ref. 4) References Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genital Herpes: CDC Fact Sheet "The Lancet"; Genital Herpes; Rachna Gupta, MD; December 2007 MayoClinic.com: Genital herpes University of Maryland Medical Center: Herpes simplex virus Article reviewed by Lisa Michael Last updated on: May 12, 2011 Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/436352-diet-to-prevent-herpes-outbreaks/#ixzz1v0svCsky

How Does Herpes Affect a Baby?

Both herpes simplex virus Type 1, or HSV-1, and herpes simplex virus Type 2, HSV-2, can cause genital herpes, though HSV-2 is most often the cause. A pregnant woman who has genital herpes can transmit the virus to her baby in utero or during birth and delivery. After birth, contraction can occur through direct physical contact with an infected person who is shedding the virus, even though at that time symptoms may not be visible, or through contact with infected bodily fluids, including saliva. Neonatal Herpes Herpes can transfer from a mother to a fetus across the placenta in an event called "vertical transmission." As the University of Washington Academic Medical Center notes, however, relatively few cases of vertical transmission have been reported. In their book "Congenital and Perinatal Infection," authors Cecelia Hutto and Gwendolyn B. Scott report that 5 percent of newborns who are infected with herpes contract the disease in utero. Those babies often exhibit a triad of complications including skin involvement, with scarring and active lesions; eye involvement, including malformation of the retina and abnormally small eyes; and neurological involvement, which can include hydranencephaly, a condition in which the brain's cerebral hemispheres are absent. Infection During Delivery About 85 percent of neonatal infections are passed from mother to baby during labor and delivery, according to Hutto and Scott. The most dangerous occur when a mother has recently contracted herpes and is experiencing a primary herpes infection during delivery. Primary infections are often asymptomatic, thereby increasing the risk of transference. The risks to the infant are significantly higher than if the mother had been infected long before delivery. Primary infections often have a longer period of shedding; for about three weeks, viral particles can shed from the mother's skin and mucosal membranes, compared with two to five days of shedding in recurrent outbreaks. Further, because the mother is recently infected, she has not built up neutralizing antibodies to pass on to her baby. The March of Dimes estimates that a mother with a primary infection has a 30 to 50 percent chance of passing the disease to her newborn during vaginal delivery. Complications for the newborn include seizures, respiratory distress, shock, jaundice and bleeding. The mortality rate of babies infected during labor and delivery is high---greater than 80 percent. Among the babies who survive, few do so without serious impairment. Post-Natal Infection Babies have immature immune systems, and when they become ill, they are often unable to effectively combat the disease, points out Lois McGuire, a nurse with the Mayo Clinic. Cold sores, or so-called "fever blisters," are caused by herpes, most often by HSV-1. An adult with herpes can infect a baby through normally harmless acts such as kissing the baby, or by touching the baby after having touched a herpes lesion. Though symptoms are not always present in older individuals, they're almost always apparent in infants.

Symptoms When a herpes infection occurs within a month of birth, the disease is called "neonatal herpes." Symptoms can include blisters, or lesions, on the face and in and around the mouth, but the lesions may also occur elsewhere on the body. Lethargy, irritation and pain are also possible. Dehydration is a risk for babies with sores around the mouth, as these may discourage the infant from nursing. Treatment The prescription drug acyclovir, sold under the brand name Zovirax, is the only effective antiviral treatment for neonatal herpes, according to Skin Sight. It is available in liquid form and is approved for use in infants. Pain medication and anesthetic mouthwashes may be given to combat the pain.

Herbs for HSV-1

Herpes is a virus caused by Herpes Simplex 1 or 2. Type 1 is usually cold sores and Type 2 is usually genital, but both can occur anywhere. Care needs to be taken not to spread it to anyone because it's highly contagious. A doctor can take a culture or do a blood test to diagnose herpes. There isn't a cure for herpes, but many natural herbs can help keep it under control. Astragalus Astragalus is also known as huang qi. The root is used to boost the immune system and can function as an antibiotic. It shouldn't be used if you have a fever. Cat's Claw The inner bark and roots of Cat's Claw is used to stimulate the immune system. It helps people with viral infections such as herpes. It shouldn't be used by pregnant women. Goldenseal The roots of goldenseal are used to fight infection and inflammation. It shouldn't be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers. Licorice Root Licorice root is used to fight inflammation and viral infections such as herpes. It shouldn't be used by pregnant women or those with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. It also shouldn't be used for long periods because it can lead to high blood pressure. In the fourth edition of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis A. Balch says to increase your potassium intake while taking licorice root. Red Marine Algae and Spirulina Red marine algae can be taken in capsule form to help with herpes. It contains antiviral carbohydrates that help suppress herpes outbreaks. Spirulina is blue green algae taken in a pill or powder form. It contains phytonutrients that help boost the immune system. Feverfew The bark, dried flowers and leaves of this herb are used to ease inflammation. It shouldn't be used by pregnant women or those who are taking blood thinners Tee Tree Oil Tee tree oil is an antiseptic. It's an essential oil that can be used topically on herpes sores. Be careful not to get it too close to your eyes. Other Helpful Herbs Other natural herbs can also help with herpes: cayenne (capsicum), burdock, myrrh, red clover, olive leaf extract, St. John's wort, horsetail, echinacea and hyssop.

How to Use Oil of Oregano for Boils & Herpes

Aug 24, 2010 | By Darla Ferrara Oil of oregano has a long history as an antibacterial agent. According to RxBalance, the physicians of ancient Greece commonly used this herbal remedy to heal infection. Modern day oil of oregano may offer relief to those suffering from chronic herpes outbreaks and boils. While there is limited scientific research available that proves oil of oregano to be a potent antibacterial product, sites such as RxBalance, claim it works to fight off infection as well improve overall health. Step 1 Place a washcloth under hot running water. Make the water as hot as you can stand it. Saturate the cloth with water and squeeze out the excess to create a compress. Step 2 Lay the compress on the boil or outbreak. Keep the compress on the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes. Step 3

Pat the affected area dry with a clean towel. Step 4 Saturate the area with the oil. Use the dropper to apply oil to the tip of a cotton swab. Rub the oil over the sore until it covers the affected area. Do

not allow the dropper to touch infected areas. Dispose of the cotton swab properly. Step 5 Apply a gauze bandage over the affected region. Either use a self-adhesive gauze pad or apply paper tape to secure the bandage.

Step 6 Change the bandage and reapply the oil at least twice a day until the affected area heals. Things You'll Need Washcloth Hot water Oil of oregano Cotton swab Gauze bandage Paper tape References RxBalance: Oil of Oregano Oil of Oregano.com: Wild Oil of Oregano's Many Uses Harvest Haven Health: Wild Oil of Oregano Article reviewed by Sinclair V. Last updated on: Aug 24, 201

Herpes Risks in Pregnancy

Apr 3, 2010 | By Virginia Franco

While the risk of transmitting neonatal herpes is minimal, the possibility still exists that an infected pregnant mother can pass herpes to her unborn child. Fortunately, taking the proper precautions can help parents avoid the devastating consequences, which can occur when an infant contracts neonatal herpes. Statistics, Neonatal herpes is not a reportable disease in most states, according to Herpes.com, so exact numbers are hard to come by. However, most researchers estimate that neonatal herpes transmission occurs in between 1,000 to 3,000 births out of four million each year, or less than one percent. Spreading Neonatal Herpes Approximately 25 percent of all women infected with genital herpes are not aware of their condition, according to the March of Dimes. This lack of knowledge is largely the reason why 90 percent of neonatal herpes are transmitted when an infant comes into contact with the virus in the birth canal during delivery. Most babies contract the disease when the mother has an active outbreak, causing high amounts of viral shedding to occur. While smaller, the risk also exists for babies to contract the disease via asymptomatic shedding, which occurs when the virus reactivates without any noticeable symptoms. Approximately five to eight percent of neonatal herpes cases occur after birth, often when kissed by an adult with an active infection of oral herpes known as cold sores. Higher Risk Situations Pregnant women who develop genital herpes during the last trimester of pregnancy are at greatest risk for transmitting the disease to their baby, in part because they are not aware of their condition until it is too late. In addition, bodies of women who contract herpes in the last trimester lack sufficient time to develop antibodies that are sent across the placenta and help to protect the unborn child. According to Herpes.com, the risk of transmission when a woman develops herpes during the last trimester may be as high as 50 percent. In fact, the website claims this situation may account for almost half of all neonatal herpes cases. Premature babies also face a slightly higher risk if their mother has herpes, because the transfer of maternal antibodies, including those developed in response to herpes, doesn't begin until 28 weeks into the pregnancy. It is also estimated that five percent of neonatal herpes cases occur when the virus crosses the placenta and infects the baby. Preventing Neonatal Herpes Part of proper prenatal care is for a healthcare provider to carefully examine any woman with herpes for signs of infection prior to labor. If an active infection is apparent at the time of delivery, a cesarean delivery will likely be scheduled. A vaginal delivery is considered safe for most women with recurrent herpes, according to herpes.com, provided there are no signs of infection during delivery. Some doctors prescribe Acyclovir during the last month of pregnancy to help prevent active infections during labor and delivery.

Diet & Nutrition for Herpes

Dec 6, 2010 | By Megan Ashton

Herpes can manifest as Herpes genitalis or Herpes simplex, more commonly referred to as cold sores. It is an infectious and recurrent viral disease, and it may be caused by stress, immune deficiency, local irritation, diet, or vitamin deficiency. If you are suffering from recurrent infections, consult with your health

care practitioner and consider modifying your diet in order to support your body in the prevention and treatment of herpes. Avoid L-arginine L-arginine is an amino acid, and an excess of it in the diet is often connected to herpes outbreaks. Dr. Ross Trattler, N.D., in "Better Health through Natural Healing," recommends avoiding arginine-rich foods such as chocolate, peanuts, peanut butter, seeds, cashews, almonds, pecans, peas, garlic and wheat. Consume L-lysine L-lysine is also an amino acid and, according to Dr. Trattler, it is the antidote to L-arginine and helps to decrease the absorption of L-arginine in the body. Trattler recommends increasing your consumption of foods containing L-lysine, such as brewers yeast, dairy products, potatoes, meat and eggs. Phyllis Balch, in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," notes that when the amount of lysine present in the body is higher than the amount of arginine, the growth of herpes becomes inhibited. Supplements Dr. Trattler recommends taking 2000 mg of lysine a day when herpes symptoms are present, stating that it can reduce pain, shorten duration, lengthen the remission time and decrease frequency. Also, you should take a daily dose of 500 to 1000 mg of lysine when you are free of symptoms as a preventative measure. For best results, Balch recommends that you take lysine supplements with 50 mg of vitamin B6 and 100 mg of vitamin C because they will help to increase the absorption of L-lysine in your body. You should take lysine on an empty stomach and not take it with milk. Alkaline Diet Dr. Trattler advises consuming an alkaline diet, because excess acidic foods may cause a herpes outbreak. An alkaline diet involves eating unrefined, natural foods, and avoiding sweets, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and citrus. Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses need an acidic environment to thrive, and when the body is at the correct pH balance of slightly over 7, the herpes virus cannot attack and cause an outbreak. You need to give the diet some time to work, and when you first start this type of diet you might go through a period of detoxification as your body adjusts to the new, healthier foods. Additional Recommendations Dr. Trattler recommends that you also avoid alcohol; herpes outbreaks often follow episodes not only of improper diets but also of drinking. In addition, Balch recommends consuming 25,000 IU a day of vitamin A when you have an active herpes outbreak, so long as you are not pregnant. It will help the healing process and prevent the spread of the herpes infection. Balch also recommends a B complex supplement to both combat the virus and to keep it from spreading. References "Better Health through Natural Healing", Ross Trattler, N.D.; 2001. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing 3rd edition"; Phyllis A Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, MD; 2003. "Home remedy site: Alkaline diet: Stop herpes dead in its tracts" Article reviewed by Holland Hammond Last updated on: Dec 6, 2010

How Does Herpes Affect the Body?

Sep 30, 2010 | By Judith Eldredge Some of those infected with herpes experience debilitating symptoms, while others are completely unaware of their condition. The American Social Health Association reports that around 20% of adults in the United States have genital herpes but, according to The Centers for Disease Control, the majority of these people are unaware of this. Becoming aware of how herpes affects the body can help patients avoid activities that can transmit the virus to lovers, behavior which can increase the appearance and severity of symptoms and even threaten the lives of their unborn children. Latent Infection As explained in "The Contagious Diseases Sourcebook," herpes viruses are latent infections, which means that they start out with relatively intense or severe symptoms when first acquired and then go into a state of hibernation. During the period of hibernation, the herpes virus resides in the infected person's nervous system at the base of their spine. In some, this state of hibernation seems permanent and these patients never again experience symptoms. For others the state of hibernation is temporary and intermittent. People in this second group may have recurring outbreaks that are not long-lasting but continue to return for years. The CDC notes that as years pass, most people with herpes experience fewer outbreaks. Primary Infection Herpes expert and author of the book "The Good News About the Bad News Herpes: Everything You Need to Know" Terri Warren, RN, NP states that a wide range of symptoms is possible during a primary genital herpes infection, including no apparent sign of illness or problem at all. When they do occur, Warren says

possible symptoms include discomfort when urinating, vaginal discharge, blisters that itch, hurt, or may break open, swollen glands, head and muscle aches, elevated temperature and other flulike symptoms. Recurrent Outbreaks Recurrent outbreaks may include any of the symptoms that are possible during a primary episode, although such symptoms tend to be less severe during recurrences. The American Social Health Association warns that recurrent outbreaks are more likely when herpes sufferers are stressed, sick, sleep deprived and suffering from poor nutrition. Sexual Transmission In "Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Physician Tells you What You Need to Know," Lisa Marr, MD writes that herpes comes out of hibernation when the virus travels along the path of an infected nerve. There may be no noticeable symptoms when this happens. Marr reports that when this occurs, any area of skin served by the nerve cell becomes capable of transmitting the virus through contact with another person's skin. Pregnancy Warren states that 25% to 33% of pregnant adults have herpes, but nearly 90% aren't aware of this fact. Warren notes that it is extremely rare for a baby to contract herpes from his mother while he is in the womb, but that some babies do acquire herpes from their mothers during delivery. These babies become quite ill and sometimes die. Such transmissions happen when a mother's herpes is out of hibernation and her baby touches an area of the mother's skin that is served by one of her infected nerve cells. References "The Good News about the Bad News Herpes: Everything You Need to Know"; Terri Warren, RN, MP; 2009 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Physician Tells You What You Need to Know"; Lisa Marr, MD; 2007 "Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Summary of 2006 CDC Treatment Guidelines"; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2006 "Genital Herpes: The Facts"; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2008 "Contagious Diseases Sourcebook"; Joyce Brennfleck Shannon, Ed.; 2010 Article reviewed by Mike Myers Last updated on: Sep 30, 2010

Herpes Treatment During Pregnancy

Jul 4, 2010 | By Bridget Coila Herpes, a sexually transmitted disease, may cause painful sores in the genital area before going dormant for days, weeks, months or years. In some people, the disease recurs at unpredictable times with similar symptoms to the primary infection, while in others there are no noticeable symptoms even during the primary infection. Even if asymptomatic, herpes may still be contagious, posing a danger to an unborn child of a woman with the disease. Importance According to MayoClinic.com, about 1 in 5,500 women who have genital herpes before pregnancy will pass it along to their baby during labor or delivery. If a woman contracts herpes during pregnancy, this can be especially dangerous. Contracting herpes in the third trimester is more likely to cause problems, since open herpes lesions and viral shedding can both cause infection in the newborn and antibodies to protect the baby during birth have not built up yet. Also, a primary infection during the third trimester may also contribute to premature labor and birth, and premature babies are more susceptible to infection. Testing Many doctors and hospitals test women sometime between 20 to 24 weeks into pregnancy to determine if they have the herpes virus. It may also be a good idea to test the sexual partners of pregnant women in order to protect against infection in the case of a non-infected mother, especially since a primary infection during pregnancy can have devastating consequences for the baby. Treatment Options Women who experience a herpes outbreak during pregnancy can receive treatment with acyclovir, an antiviral drug. To reduce the risk of an outbreak in a woman who has been infected with the herpes simplex virus but who is not in the midst of an outbreak, antiviral medication may be prescribed for daily use starting in the 36th week of pregnancy. Acyclovir is recommended by the March of Dimes as the preferred medication for use in pregnant women since it has been used for over 20 years and shown no increased incidence in birth defects associated with the drug. Valacyclovir and famciclovir are two other drugs used to treat herpes outbreaks, but these have not been thoroughly studied in pregnant women yet. Alternatives If a woman has an outbreak of herpes during labor or when her water breaks, she will probably need to have a Cesarean section. Some women who are infected with herpes choose to plan in advance and voluntarily opt for a Cesarean section delivery to minimize the risk of transmission to the baby.

Considerations Timing of the infection may be a consideration for whether to try antivirals or opt for a Cesarean delivery. According to the March of Dimes, a woman who contracts herpes during the latter part of the third trimester has about a 30 to 50 percent chance of infecting her baby during a vaginal birth. Women with long-standing herpes infections have only about a 3 percent chance of passing along the disease, provided they are not having a visible outbreak at the time of delivery.

What Are the Effects of Herpes?

May 4, 2011 | By Julia Bodeeb

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted viral infection. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes; it is spread through contact with fluids in the genitals or mouth. In the United States, one out of every four women and one out of every eight men are infected with HSV-2, notes Medline Plus. There is not yet a cure for genital herpes. Itchy and Painful Skin One effect of a genital herpes infection may be an itchy and painful burning feeling on the skin around the genitals. This is a precursor to the blisters that will appear on the skin during an outbreak of genital herpes. Blisters Tiny, painful, fluid-filled blisters are a symptom of a genital herpes infection. In women they will be located on the labia, cervix, anus, vagina, thighs and buttocks. In men the blisters will be on the penis, anus, scrotum, buttocks or thighs. Skin Ulcers Painful ulcers may develop on the skin after herpes-related blisters open. The ulcers will develop a crust and take about 7 to 14 days to heal. Psychological Upset Psychological upset is a common effect of genital herpes, notes the Centers for Disease Control. The symptoms of the first outbreak are often severe and distressing. Counseling may help mitigate this condition. Fever Herpes may affect body temperature by causing a fever. The fever often grows more intense as the outbreak of blisters fully develops. Muscle Pain Muscle pain in the thighs, knees, buttocks and lower back occurs with genital herpes. The muscle pain is most intense while the blisters are present. Swollen Lymph Nodes Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the groin can result from genital herpes. This often occurs during an outbreak of blisters. Also, the area below the abdomen may feel different from usual during a herpes outbreak; there may be a sensation of pressure in the area, notes WomensHealth.gov. Urinary Problems Urinary difficulty and pain while urinating are side effects of herpes. Women may also experience a vaginal discharge. If a herpes outbreak causes severe pain and limits your ability to urinate, contact your doctor. Transmission at Birth A pregnant mother may transmit the herpes virus to her baby at birth, although this is rare. The infection can be fatal to the baby.