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Cold sores and new borns

(53 Posts)
gransruleok Tue 11-Apr-23 13:57:41

Does anyone know if cold sores pose a threat to new born babies please. I heard a horror story a while ago and as a new great granny who occasionally has a cold sore, I need to know.

NotSpaghetti Tue 11-Apr-23 13:59:04

Yes. I would say no kissing. I have cold sores too. sad

dogsmother Tue 11-Apr-23 13:59:12

Certainly don’t think you should kiss one if you have an active one.
If however nothing is active there is no problem.

NotSpaghetti Tue 11-Apr-23 13:59:45

www.nhs.uk/conditions/neonatal-herpes/

MiniMoon Tue 11-Apr-23 14:02:13

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Avoid kissing the baby if you have a sore. The virus causes serious illness in babies.

GrannyGravy13 Tue 11-Apr-23 14:20:53

Why would you kiss anyone regardless of age if you have a cold sore?

Grannybags Tue 11-Apr-23 14:27:03

Don't kiss anyone if you have a cold sore!

Marydoll Tue 11-Apr-23 14:36:53

GrannyGravy13

Why would you kiss anyone regardless of age if you have a cold sore?

I cannot believe anyone with a cold sore would consider kissing a baby.

The virus spreads through saliva or skin-to-skin contact or by touching an object that was handled by someone infected with the virus. “If you have a cold sore, don't kiss the baby because it can definitely be transmitted to their skin

GrannyGravy13 Tue 11-Apr-23 14:43:34

New borns are vulnerable, if you think that you may be getting a cold sore, cold or indeed anything do not kiss them, should be common sense really.

Germanshepherdsmum Tue 11-Apr-23 14:44:42

Yes, please don’t kiss anybody if you have or are developing a cold sore.

ExDancer Tue 11-Apr-23 15:00:06

Are these people kissing babies kissing them on the mouth or just on their cheek?

Marydoll Tue 11-Apr-23 15:07:31

ExDancer

Are these people kissing babies kissing them on the mouth or just on their cheek?

It doesn't matter where. Herpes virus is transmissable through skin.

Tenko Tue 11-Apr-23 15:13:13

Cold sores are highly contagious and you should avoid kissing anyone whilst you have it . Especially babies as their immune system isn’t developed.
Also avoid going to the dentist whilst you have a cold sore.

Hithere Tue 11-Apr-23 15:26:50

1000000000% YES

Hithere Tue 11-Apr-23 15:29:15

HSV-1 still sheds w/o a cold sore present

Take antivirals to make the virus dormant and don't kiss the baby under any circumstances

Oopsadaisy1 Tue 11-Apr-23 15:36:07

Don’t kiss any part of the baby , not even their hands.

If I had a cold sore either coming or going I wouldn’t get near anyone, let alone kiss a child.

Allsorts Tue 11-Apr-23 15:38:40

I would not let anyone kiss my baby on the lips, I would not kiss anyone if I had a cold sore, had my first one a few weeks ago, it was painful and looked an eyesore and it's still tender and you can see the scar.

Oldbat1 Tue 11-Apr-23 15:46:03

Very dangerous to babies. Even my dentist has a sign in waiting area to say not to attend appointment if you have a new or recent cold sore so obviously easily transmitted even though they wear clinical gloves.

MrsKen33 Tue 11-Apr-23 16:07:22

Absolutely. No kissing or touching especially if you have one. The herpes virus lives forever once caught.

Blondiescot Tue 11-Apr-23 16:15:31

Are you serious? You shouldn't getting into close contact with anyone, never mind a newborn, if you have a cold sore. I can't believe anyone would actually ask that. In fact, I wouldn't want anyone kissing my newborn baby at all.

MerylStreep Tue 11-Apr-23 16:22:34

How do you get to be a great grandmother and not know this 🤷‍♀️

NotSpaghetti Tue 11-Apr-23 16:23:19

Oldbat1

Very dangerous to babies. Even my dentist has a sign in waiting area to say not to attend appointment if you have a new or recent cold sore so obviously easily transmitted even though they wear clinical gloves.

My dentist says it is easily transmitted into the eye - she says any tooth work/brushing/water pic etc (at home or at the dentist) can cause serious eye problems from airborne droplets if you have cold sores. I assume active ones but don't know this.

toscalily Tue 11-Apr-23 17:54:59

Do not go anywhere near a newborn baby if you have a cold sore, cold or cough, surprised you even asked.

VioletSky Tue 11-Apr-23 17:56:46

Yes, no kissing babies

Namsnanny Tue 11-Apr-23 18:19:29

A close member of my IL, with an obvious cold sore, kissed my daughter as a tiny baby before I could stop them.

I was so horrified. I don't know how, much she never caught the virus.