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Original poster

Accidentally kissed baby with coldsore!

11 replies

Sid2024 · 10/10/2025 16:19

I have a cold sore (I've always had them) and have been really careful with outbreaks

My baby is 3 months old now, and I started getting a cold sore yesterday, today it was a blister and I've had it covered with a patch and have avoided kissing him/washing hands

I had a nap as I was so tired and woke up to him crying, I instinctively picked him up and kissed him to sooth him and then only remembered after I'd kissed him! And I kissed him on his cheek very very close to his mouth! I'm so worried now. It was a very light kiss and it was covered by the patch but I've obviously I've had salvia around my lips etc

Will my baby be okay? I've heard it can be deadly for babies, or have I given him coldsore for life now? Anyone had any experience with this?

OP posts:
CatsorDogsrule · 10/10/2025 16:23

I suggest you contact 111 or your GP, just in case baby is old enough for preventative antivirals. I'm not a medic, but would want advice ASAP. I would also wash the baby's face and hands thoroughly.

We all make mistakes, don't beat yourself up. Hope all stays well.

FMc208 · 10/10/2025 16:32

Yikes. It’s not good OP, I won’t sugarcoat it. I would phone 111 for advice.

bitterexwife · 10/10/2025 16:40

Agree with above - my preschooler (at the time) ended up in A&E with his first outbreak.
Best to check with 111 and be sure of symptoms to look out for

Tealpins · 10/10/2025 16:53

Hi OP. I'm not going to disagree with the advice of checking whether baby could usefully take antivirals BUT the deaths in babies have occurred where mum was not a carrier of the herpes virus. You are a carrier - you have passed on some of your antibodies to baby, although at 3 months, baby's immune system will be kicking in and yours fading out. But this is also protective - the babies who died were newborns. Your baby has a better immune system and one already exposed in a minor way to the cold sore virus.

So do seek medical advice but also don't worry too much.

HarryVanderspeigle · 10/10/2025 17:23

I did similar when one of mine was 4 months. Kissed on the head when getting him up for the morning and then realised I had a bump coming up. I washed the area with soap and a flannel and called 111. They said thst the serious risk was to much younger babies and weren't concerned. But there was no judgement for calling, so why don't you do that
It will either give you peace of mind, or tell you what to do next.

Babyboomtastic · 10/10/2025 17:27

I can see why you worried but I think your baby is older than the danger zone for this, and even then, the vast majority of babies will be absolutely fine. The reason the cases make the media is because they are so rare. As in, more likely to be struck by lightning rare. That coupled with your baby no longer being a newborn, and you not kissing the mouth means I wouldn't worry personally.

YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 10/10/2025 17:37

This happened to me a couple of times in the dark night watches, neither of mine took it. I'm a carrier and they were bf, not sure on your situation, if you feel worried call 111. Do not beat yourself up though.

Original poster
Sid2024 · 11/10/2025 12:42

YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 10/10/2025 17:37

This happened to me a couple of times in the dark night watches, neither of mine took it. I'm a carrier and they were bf, not sure on your situation, if you feel worried call 111. Do not beat yourself up though.

Thanks, that's good to know - have you kissed them before during and active breakout?

OP posts:
Original poster
Sid2024 · 11/10/2025 12:44

Thanks everyone, I spoke to my friend who is a pediatrician and she said he is old enough that it shouldn't be a serious risk if he does get infected, and best to monitor him for the next week to see if he gets any unusual rashes or fever

OP posts:
Original poster
Sid2024 · 11/10/2025 12:46

Babyboomtastic · 10/10/2025 17:27

I can see why you worried but I think your baby is older than the danger zone for this, and even then, the vast majority of babies will be absolutely fine. The reason the cases make the media is because they are so rare. As in, more likely to be struck by lightning rare. That coupled with your baby no longer being a newborn, and you not kissing the mouth means I wouldn't worry personally.

This definitely puts it into perspective - I'll keep an eye on him but hopefully because it was covered up the risk of infection is small. I hate getting coldsores so even if it's not dangerous I hate to think I've given him the virus for life

OP posts:
Puppycrate · 11/10/2025 12:50

I’d be asking for antivirals if he’s old enough. Not to scare you but I had my first outbreak aged 22 and I nearly died as it got into my brain. I woke up one morning and I could hardly see, couldn’t walk and had severe pain in my head and spine it was awful. I was in HDU with it.

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