Anxiety about coldsore

[DannyWallace]

I've posted before about cold sores. I always get them when I'm a bit run down and sleep deprived. So, of course, I was going to get them now I've had my baby!

Anyway, I'm now on my 5th since my DD was born (she's 7.5 months). She's constantly on the move and loves to grab faces! I try to keep her away but she literally grabs at my face constantly. She'll be BF, I think she'll be asleep, but then her little hand reaches up and grabs! (I've tried a BF necklace, doesn't make a difference).

I'm terrified she's going to catch one. So, firstly, is there anything else I should be doing (I use the patches, try to keep her away, wash hands/use alcohol gel a lot). I'm also trying to get more rest but she's currently up every 1-2 hours and only BF will settle her (me and DH are currently working on this!).

Also, if she does catch it, how bad is it likely to be at 7.5 months? Google varies, so I'd like to hear if anyone's baby has caught one around this age, or if anyone medical knows the definite risk factors.

Apologies if I'm coming across as anxious-2 of my friends have lost babies at around a year old (different reasons) and I suppose I'm just terrified something happens to DD.

Thank you

I've just moved house, country and jobs. Ive has a few outbreaks from the stress and being generally run down. I started taking a lysine, zinc and vitamin C combined supplement that says it's good for cold sores. Each cold sore has completely gone in a couple of days! The supplement I take are from Canada but they must sell something similar here, I'll have a quick look. Otherwise other than using the patches, keeping her hands away and good hand hygiene I think you're doing everything you can.

@TheCatWhoLickedTheFlaps thank you. I keep hearing about lysine. I'll look in to it x

Vita World 3 Pack Arginine-Ornithine-Lysine + C & Zinc 3 x 60 Capsules Made in Germany https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K5N1CRW/ref=cmswwrcppapiii_Lu6JDbM3SFC3J

Something like this :)

I get cold sores - neither of my now adult DC have ever had one... I’ve absolutely definitely had breakouts while they were little, I’ve never even used patches because they come up in the middle of my lip.

Just did things like air kisses instead of actual contact and didn’t put anything in their mouth that had been in mine.

I too suffer with cold sores, often caused by stress and generally being fun down. I had several in the first year of motherhood, I bf too so completely get your anxiety. Like you, I was hot on hygiene and avoided all kissing 😕 whilst I still get coldsores, neither of my kids ever have !

Thank you @tabulahrasa @Landlubber2019 that's reassuring

Thanks for the link @TheCatWhoLickedTheFlaps -ill see what I can get.

I suppose it's the face grabbing I worry about the most! It seems to be a comfort thing for her! The only positive thing is the compeed patches seem to stop a blister from erupting-it stays like a small spot now. However I still keep it covered and am strict with hygiene x

Both of mine caught cold sores from me. Ds1 was 9 and ds2 was 18 months. It was hideous both times.

Ds2 was almost admitted to hospital with his outbreak (only one outbreak so far and that was 12 years ago). It was that hideous first outbreak where their mouths are covered and they are really ill. Luckily we had a great locum gp who spotted it.

Ds1 had it when he was much older (year 5) and years after ds2. The gp didn't spot it (fobbed us off) and he became very ill. He was a skinny boy but lost 7lbs in just over a week and looked terrible.

Neither have had it since but please carry on being aware OP.

Can you get some anti viral tabs from the doc for a few months to reduce outbreaks? They’re safe to take when bf

@iMatter ah your poor babies. Thank you for sharing. Yes I'll definitely continue with what I'm doing.

@moreismore previously they have said no, however I'm going again on Tuesday so I'll ask then. Thank you.