Which term describes an infection common in childhood causing acute inflammation of the oral soft tissues?

• A. Herpes simplex type 1
• B. Herpes labialis
• C. HIV
• D. Diabetes

Answer: (A)

Primary herpes simplex virus type 1 infection in children commonly presents as an acute inflammation of the oral soft tissues, known as primary herpetic gingivostomatitis. This condition starts with fever, irritability, and a swollen, tender gingiva, followed by clusters of small vesicles on the oral mucosa that rupture to form painful ulcers. The mouth may be very sore, making it hard for the child to eat or drink, and the infection is highly contagious during this phase. It typically resolves over 1–2 weeks with supportive care such as fluids, analgesia, and gentle oral hygiene; antiviral treatment can be considered in certain cases.

Herpes labialis, by contrast, refers to cold sores on the lips from reactivation of HSV-1, not an acute gingivostomatitis in childhood. HIV and diabetes are not the infection described here—HIV is a systemic virus, and diabetes is a metabolic condition—so they don’t fit the scenario of a common childhood infection causing acute oral soft-tissue inflammation.