What if someone kissed my baby with a cold sore?

A baby is most at risk of getting a herpes infection in the first 4 weeks after birth. You should not kiss a baby if you have a cold sore to reduce the risk of spreading infection. Cold sores and other blisters caused by the herpes virus are at their most contagious when they burst.

How do I know if my newborn has a cold sore?

Babies with cold sores can get a skin rash just like adults. They might get just a few blisters or an angry pink or red rash around their mouth. Babies might also have blisters on or inside their lips. Occasionally, it might also spread to their chin or cheeks.

How long after exposure do babies get cold sores?

Signs that a baby may have been infected with HSV include low grade fever and one or more small skin blisters. These symptoms can occur 2 to 12 days after HSV exposure.

Can a baby get sick from a kiss on the cheek?

Can kissing a baby make them sick? Though kissing an infant doesn’t always cause RSV or other illnesses, it can spread germs that can lead to illnesses that newborn immune systems find it hard to fight.

Can newborn get cold sore from mother?

Babies can catch cold sores in two ways: Vertical transmission. This occurs when the mother has genital herpes, and the infant catches the virus in the birth canal. This can happen even if the mother is not experiencing any symptoms.

Can I kiss my baby on the lips?

It has long been regarded a sign of affection and a form of bonding. But research suggests kissing your baby on the lips can actually give them cavities. Finnish scientists warned just a peck, or a smooch, can spread harmful bacteria from parent to baby.

Can baby catch cold sore from mother?

Babies can catch the cold sore virus through contact with a cold sore on another person. Therefore, people with a cold sore should avoid kissing babies or letting babies touch the sore.

Should you kiss newborns?

Don’t let people kiss your newborn infant. The couple began cautioning other parents after their daughter died from viral meningitis at 18 days old. Mariana Sifrit contracted viral meningitis caused by the herpes virus HSV-1 when she was less than a week old. It is believed she contracted the virus from a kiss.

Can someone with a cold sore hold a baby?

Do not allow anyone with a cold sore – or who had a cold sore in the previous week – to hold or kiss your baby. If possible, keep your baby from crowded public places the first few months after birth. This is a good way to avoid contact with strangers and exposure to other respiratory germs.

Can I kiss my newborn on the lips?

Can I hold my baby if I have a cold sore?

Recommendations for new parents Do not allow anyone with a cold sore, or anyone who you know has had a cold sore in the previous week, to hold or kiss your baby.