Nannies and cold sores... help

[thisusernameismine]

We have found a brilliant nanny who I've taken some excellent references for who we will be sharing with another local couple. So the babies will be together (at ours) most of the week. At first interview she had a cold sore on her lip, having come from a day of working with two babies.

We are on the cusp of signing her and she's due to start imminently, but what do I do about this? I'm so worried about my baby contracting the virus especially as she has eczema so I imagine a bit more susceptible?

Help appreciated and please don't flame me!

Seriously?

If she didn’t have a visible cold sore at interview she would still have the virus and you’d be none the wiser. Why on earth would you pass up a nanny you are happy with because of that?

Sorry - precious first baby and all that was just looking for advice and whether I should say anything. Definitely do not want to pass her up!

Don't worry about it. My husband gets them and I never have because we never kiss when he can feel one coming or has one.
Baby also has never caught from husband as take the same precautions.

OP, the vast majority of people carry the cold sore virus, whether they have visible active sores or not. We all get exposed as babies and children- just think of all the kissing and slobbering relatives do over new additions to the family!
If this nanny is otherwise a good candidate, her cold sore isn’t really a reason to turn her down.

Been a nanny for over 11 years with one family, I get cold sores. The children and the family have never got it. She just needs to make sure shes careful with hand washing ect. I also know alot of teachers who have them aswell, doesn't seem to be a problem.

If she has taken on two children simultaneously she sounds fabulous.

Just say “ couldn’t be be happier for you to be working with us. I am new to parenting so forgive me if I am OTT in just checking that when you get a cold sore you will remember all the usual precautions, no friendly kisses etc? I know you will.”

Thank you so so much, you have made me see sense and calmed me down considerably. All very good advice. Thank you Mumsnetters! Xxx

I am nearly 40 and have had cold sores all my life (think my mum gave them to me). I only get 1 or 2 a year. When I have one, I practice good hygiene and don't kiss my kids or husband (whom I have been with for nearly 19 years). DH and DC's have never caught them from me. As long as your nanny isn't kissing your baby with an active cold sore, it will all be fine.

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

Cold sores are a risk to very young babies see link above. I'm guessing your baby is around the year mark, if you are going back to work. So a more robust immune system.
I'm a retired neonatal nurse we were not allowed to work with cold sores but obviously our babies more vulnerable.
Yes prevention of cross infection is hand washing. I would also buy a box of gloves and ask her to use for nappy changes. Probably a good thing anyway if two babies to prevent spreading infection.
You are not silly to worry at all but as others have said having cold sores as a childcarer/mum doesnt mean the baby will catch them.