Cold Sores (Herpes)

Cause/Symptoms:

• Virus. Small blisters appear and then burst to form a crust
  
• Sores are usually around the mouth but can be around the nose and eyes
  
• With the first infection, sores may be accompanied by fever, flu-like illness, and painful irritation
  

Transmission:

• Person-to-person by saliva. Hand hygiene is important in preventing transmission
  

Incubation:

• 2 to 12 days
  

Period of Communicability:

• While sores are apparent, however, virus may be transmitted even when no visible lesions are present
  

We can discuss your child's return to daycare once all the following criteria has been met:

• The lesions has crusted over and your child is not drooling,
• Please note that if your child puts items in his/her month he/she will be separated from the other children until the cold sore is gone.

The length of time your child is required to remain home will depend on how fast the lesions crust over.