What Is Human Herpes Virus Type 7?

Human herpes virus-7, HHV-7, is one of the two human herpes viruses (a related group of viruses that tend to cause conditions with rashes) that cause roseola, a common, mild childhood illness. HHV-6 also leads to roseola. According to the Mayo Clinic, HHV-7 is the less common cause of this condition.

Time Frame

• HHV-7 typically affects children later in life than does HHV-6, at between 2 and 3 years, as opposed to during the first year for HHV-6.

Impact

• HHV-7 only infects lymphocytes called T-cells, which are cells of the immune system, while HHV-6 also infects several other kinds of cells. The course of the illness is nevertheless similar.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, the main symptoms of roseola are a sudden and high fever ollowed by rash. Other symptoms include fatigue, irritability, mild diarrhea, a decrease in appetite and swelling of the eyelids.

Treatment

• Antiviral drugs like ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir can manage HHV-7 infection. However, antiviral treatment with ganciclovir usually is used only in people with weakened immune systems, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Home Care

• After consulting a doctor, you can use fever reducers and pain relievers other than aspirin to manage the symptoms of roseola in children.