Lo, sympathies just got over that self and same cold virus thingy and it sucks, hugs to you.

I went to the docs as on day 6 of the cold thingy I woke up to find a huge cluster of coldsores around my nose (constant blowing ect ect)I always get these when run down but doc said felt could be a bacterial infection this time and gave me low dose antibiotics which cleared everything up (achy head, body,throat, swollen glands, strange face sores the lot)

He did say while I was there though that there is no real risk with zovirax just usual not fully tested garb....

Just to clarify on teh risks.

It is the FIRST exposure to coldsore virus which is a problem. If the mothers first exposure is when she is pregnant that can be a problem - and was the problem in the recent headline case - which I think was in the last trimester. Not sure about earlier.

If a mother has a flare up of a dormant problem this is not a problem for mother or baby at any stage during pregnancy (or even afterwards).

If/when baby gets first exposure after birth - which may be transferred from mother or any other problem it can be a problem. The primary (first) herpes infection is a systemic infection - there can be a huge immune infection including v high fever (often 39+). Hugely swollen lymph nodes - which can cause abdo pain. Many ulcers and sores in and around the mouth. This can lead to a child under 1 being hospitalised (my DD3 was almost hospitalised at 7m). It can be fatal for a newborn.

HTH

Oh and I wouldn't bother with zovirax unless you first administer within 24-48hrs of tingle or it won't be effective anyway.

Yes if you've had a cold sore before then the baby will get antibodies transferred during the last trimester that will protect it for a few months after being born.

Acyclovir (aka Zovirax) is officially not recommended in pregnancy but in practice used from time-to-time at high dose for individual cases of maternal chickenpox; because of the risk of pneumonitis in the mum.

I agree with the others though that with the Zovirax cream, there will be hardly any significant amount absorbed from the skin. I think you have nothing to worry about. :-)

Ah you might be right, I just recalled that case late last year, sorry if I am scaring unnecessarily

I don't think there is a risk to the baby if mum has the virus while baby is in utero . It is only if mum has never had a cold sore and gets one after giving birth that there is a risk as the baby will have no inherited antibodies to fight the virus.

I stand to be corrected though.

Oh and I used Zovirax in pregnancy - first time unthinkingly then used it sparingly a couple of times after that.

I use tea tree for cold sores, nab on, and it dries it out quite quickly and the sores disappear much quicker than with designated cold sore cremes.

Just remember to be extremely careful kissing baby when he'she is very small. It's very rare but babies have died from the cold sore virus, there are people on here who know more, I just wanted to pass it on so you can find out how to minimise risk x

im seven weeks pregnant and have woken up with a cold sore this morning, the first one in about two years! I have put a small bit of zovirax on it three times today, its only just occured to me at 8pm!!! that this might be harmful for the baby, (very careless i know). I do feel a bit better from reading those two messages that say zovirax is ok even though the official website say's to avoid during pregnancy! (i know they have to be carefull). anyway if anyone else wants to reassure me please feel free as im probably going to worry for the next nine months!!
thanks

Zovirax is fine in pregnancy and Drs will even prescribe the tablet form for some things so the amount absorbed via the cream is really minimal. May be a bit late to start using it tho as its best in the early days. Its often the dryness and cracking that drags the discomfort on so maybe try something like blisteze for a medicated moisturiser??

*Thanks everybody*. Yes, berolina, Im washing my hands all the time, cos of the cold sore and the fact that Im blowing my nose all the time - thanks for the advice though. I cant remember the last time I had a cold sore and Im sure its jst cos my immune system is running at its lowest. Im very tempted to just buy some Zovirax since two of you are endorsing it. i know the cold sore is going to turn into the really nasty ugly phase soon!! I took ds1 to the doctor earlier in the week. I dont think I can stand the wait and the lack of interest again!!