UAE: Why you should discourage your child from sharing their food utensils

Doctors in the UAE are reporting a noticeable increase in cases of oral herpes (HSV-1) among school-aged children, particularly during the cooler winter months. The virus, which typically affects the skin around the lips and mouth, can also appear inside the mouth or around the eyes.

According to medical experts, the virus spreads more easily during the winter, when social gatherings and food-sharing activities become more frequent both at schools and at home.

"An infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is highly contagious, spreading easily through shared items like drinks, eating utensils, and towels," explained Dr Ignatiius Edwin D'souza, a consultant paediatrician at Thumbay University Hospital.

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He also noted, “Oral herpes is becoming more common, especially among school-age kids and teenagers. Many children first get the virus when they are young, sometimes even as babies or toddlers, through close contact with an infected person, like a parent or sibling."

Increased socialising exacerbates the situation

The winter months exacerbate the situation, as increased social interaction during school events—like field trips, sports days, and other gatherings—creates more opportunities for the virus to spread. Additionally, families tend to socialise more during this time, which leads to more sharing of personal items like drinks, snacks, and even lip balm.

Dr D'souza emphasised that this combination of increased social activity and item-sharing significantly contributes to the rise in oral herpes cases during the cooler months.

The signs of oral herpes, typically small, painful blisters around the mouth, can be accompanied by itching, tingling, or a burning sensation. “In primary infections, especially in children, symptoms can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat. Recurrent episodes are generally milder and may be triggered by factors such as stress, illness, or sun exposure," explained Dr Amjad Mouhammad Haider, consultant paediatrician in International Modern Hospital, Dubai.

“This condition is more common among children under six years old. It is generally self-limiting in healthy children. Oral herpes can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, such as canker sores, impetigo, or even a common cold or sore throat, especially during the initial stages of infection," added Dr Haider.

He also noted that a virus culture (PCR), blood test, or biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. "Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management and can be confirmed through clinical evaluation and laboratory tests if necessary,” said Dr Haider.

Virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later

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