Shortly after the birth of his second son, Thorsten noticed something amiss.
Following a hospital visit, he received devastating news from the doctors about his son’s uncertain future.
Distraught, Thorsten chose to share his story on Facebook to caution other parents.
Thorsten shared:
“In this photo, you see my son John.
At first glance, he may look like any other baby, but John has faced more challenges in his first two months than I have in 34 years.
Approximately two weeks after his birth, John showed signs of restlessness, agitation, and mild shivers.”
“The midwife suggested it was due to a rapid birth and advised us to see a doctor the next day.”
Things worsened that night, leading us to rush to the hospital.
He was promptly admitted to the maternity ward and administered prophylactics, antibiotics, and antiviral medication.
Following various tests and a four-day wait, the diagnosis was confirmed: herpes simplex virus.
John had contracted the virus from somewhere, which penetrated his brain through the immature blood-brain barrier, causing significant damage.”
After five weeks of intensive antiviral treatment, EEGs, ultrasounds, and MRIs, the grim reality emerged:
- Large portions of his brain had suffered severe damage.
- John’s future wouldn’t resemble that of his older brother.
- The brain inflammation persisted despite eliminating the virus, with medical intervention proving ineffective.
- John faces a battle, with an uncertain prognosis of survival, whether he has years, months, weeks, or days left.
While almost everyone carries the herpes virus, only a few experience outbreaks.
We aim not to stigmatize anyone but to highlight:
Cold sores can be contagious.
Avoid contact with infants. Even in the absence of visible sores, contact could transmit the virus to the child.
For John, it’s too late.
His health will never be restored.
We seek awareness rather than condolences: take this message to heart and share it.
Herpes tends to be overlooked as a mere consequence of stress, with its dangers poorly understood.
If you can save a child’s life, take action.
We will never know.”
The herpes viral encephalitis impacting John is an uncommon form of meningitis stemming from the more common herpes simplex virus.
Help spread Thorsten’s vital message by sharing it below. Together, we can make a difference!
