Due to give birth and toddler has cold sore

[Supermomdiggingupthelawn]

Shamelessly posting for traffic.

im 38 weeks pregnant and my daughter (3) has woken up with a cold sore. DH and I have never had them but I suspect we might get them due to dd being very affectionate and always keen to ‘share’ kisses and drinks.

I know that this is bad for a newborn. Is there any treatment I can give dd or any way I can protect the baby? I’m due for a section in 10 days but I think could arrive at any time.

thank you

Hi I get cold sores and take aciclovir as an oral tablet (you have to get in on prescription). That’s the same ingredient as in cold sore cream and it stops the virus from replicating any further. I also use a heat pen (available from boots and Amazon) which is meant to kill off the virus. In my experience the active cold sore lasts 1-2 days after I’ve used the pen and put cream on, it then takes a while for the blister to go but I think it’s not infectious at that stage.

Here’s the pen; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Herpotherm-Against-blisters-Chemical-Free-Treatment/dp/B07T4XP545/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SrKRvjf1uO-1SZIVN0VT2OV4R3TFCQBOdv72URznv_z0dYCRIzXa9mZqHP4eQ6p5AyPTDwBDvxufv0zYmmbGneaG5gw0tRBpeJBTXl_jQ6UpGbeaxGD8dfGVf9JZbZZJOw70is7qRV222FXWS5ZwNWFy_WR6a_Em5pwpVtf7lOET0k6gMY8UbSu0zjplRQ9_F3xKHrZeDDXet8IQDZgsjLCmFTrT2rg3X6Tgnv-Wsqy61oXeLC4J_T_3Dk6JHU6wzKEzvsV_FPALnxVoQ4xYp6t2j03G8DsuMo2AZC6STuE.9zGAPPJsUUz_QdY2d0TqO1s8He6-duPwjYusjrgouwM&dib_tag=se&keywords=cold+sore+laser&qid=1715147890&sr=8-5

Has she had stomatitis (mouth full of ulcers with fever) before? It's more likely to be impetigo (staphylococcus bacterial infection). See your GP. Please ask your midwife or GP to check your hsv antibodies
It is likely you've had hsv before and that will confer some protection to the baby. You also need to keep your toddler away from baby if still there when born regardless and don't kiss on the lips while they have a lesion and be fastidious with your hand washing just in case.
Hope all goes well.

www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-complications/cytomegalovirus-and-pregnancy

For all pregnant women please don't kiss your toddlers on the lips and share cups with them.

Thanks! Yes, I’ve been in touch with the gp and midwife.