Family member with a coldsore kissed DS

[pinkcheeks72]

A family member kissed DS on the cheek who had a coldsore. I immediately told them not to do that as it's very dangerous for babies. I'm worried sick now, he's 5 months old. I suffered terribly with coldsores as a young child and I'm now so worried and angry about this. I feel like such a shitty parent that this has happened under my watch. Can anyone please advise on what to do?

I think it’s only dangerous in the first few weeks - so don’t do anything.

Will he not be likely to catch the herpes virus now/prone to coldsores? I've always read about the dangers of this so as a FTM anyway this has me very worried.

Bump

It can very very rarely lead to serious illness.

It is very unlikely but should he start showing signs of a viral illness within the next few days you need to make sure you let medical personnel know that he has had this contact - and make sure your relative doesn't do this again.

There’s nothing you can do. At five months he should be okay and most the population has the virus, many just don’t have symptoms.

I can’t believe they were stupid enough to kiss your child though, how unnecessary. I’d be really annoyed at such carelessness as I would be with anyone with something contagious getting into my child’s space like that.

This relative regularly has coldsores, I'm now thinking they were highly likely to kiss me when I was a baby and that's why I suffered so badly with them. Is he likely to be prone to coldsores now? That's a huge worry. My DP has never had one before. I do though and I'm always super careful when I do have one.

Aaah OP I would be annoyed too, everyone knows that you don’t go around kissing people when you’ve got a coldsore! You’re right to be annoyed.

He may contract the virus but she didn’t kiss him on the lips right? And I assume you saw and wiped him pretty much straight away?
The chances are low?

I will say though, if you have the virus then there is more chance of you passing it on to your child surely? Just by how much time you spend together and how much we handle and interact with our kids?

If he does end up having the virus in childhood, I don’t think you’ll be able to make that direct link to relative unfortunately

Either has now caught the cold sore virus or he hasn’t. Do some reading on google about when it is dangerous and when not (and its relationship with genital herpes).

Then educate your relative. I would be FURIOUS that they did this. And if they say anything other than “I am so so sorry I will never do it again” then do not allow them to hold your baby again.

It was a pretty stupid thing to do but many people have the virus and most don't get coldsores so even if he does catch it, that doesn't mean he will suffer from coldsores.

It's very unlikely to be super serious / fatal at 5 months but I'd be fucking furious with the relative. I know a couple who lose a newborn to this.

I'd be absolutely furious!!!

It doesn't matter that it's unlikely to be fatal. It's a bloody annoying condition to have with no cure! It is life affecting.

I'd be absolutely furious with them.