9 week old dd, I have a cold sore

[TheKelda]

And I've absentmindedly kissed her on the top of her head twice today. I've been trying not to kiss her at all since the sore came up 3 days ago. I do get cold sores regularly, especially when I'm tired or run down, which is pretty normal with a 2 month old.

After reading the recent stories of herpes simplex infections and how dangerous they are to young babies, I'm absolutely terrified that I've infected her and put her at risk. She's sleeping as normal and seems her usual self. I'm a bloody idiot.

I'm sure she will be fine, particularly given it was only the top of her head you kissed.

Having checked this link however, it's not clear if it wouldn't be passed on even though you didn't kiss her on the mouth.
If you scroll to the bottom of the article they have a link and a telephone line that you could try if someone else isn't along shortly with more expert confirmation on the 'skin contact' thing.

Don't panic - at 9 weeks old she should have passive immunity from you.

Be careful as she gets older -especially if she develops eczema - ds1 was very ill from a herpes infection that entered his body via eczema at a year old (by this time the immunity he had from me would have worn off).

If you are concerned do ring the helpline, but as cold sores are not a new thing for you she should have plenty of antibodies.

I agree with the others, what happened with the poor mite in the news is extremely rare, cold sores aren't, so that should give you some idea of the odds against it happening & that babies generally are protected as mentioned above - dab a bit if lavender aromatherapy oil on it, it shortens the out break (DH & DSIL get them) & relax - lavenders safe for baby too & helps with relaxation, sleep & is a natural antiseptic/anti-virulent/antibiotic

Hth

Thank you. Here's hoping that I've passed on plenty of antibodies to her. I'll be extra vigilant & ring nhs direct if she's out of sorts.

I'm so annoyed with myself, kissing her was damn stupid but so easily done.

Do try to limit kissing, I personally know of a baby of 4 months who was breast feed who became very very ill.

Try the compeed patches which at least cover it up and make you feel less panicky about it. Cold sores are hell, I've had several sinceDS2 was born last year and loads of them since DS1 was born 4.5 years ago; and I co-slept with both of them. So far both are ok, I just try to be super-vigilant. Slathering a CS in lysine ointment also makes sure you're kept more aware that it's there and helps to prevent absentminded kisses. And remember, it will be gone soon!

Our paediatrician made me wear surgical masks during coldsore outbreaks, as it can stop the virus shedding onto the baby. It's not ideal (they're a bit uncomfortable and it feels horrible wearing them) but I figured it was better safe than sorry. I didn't wear them out and about - I was just careful to not touch her without washing my hands etc when in public.

Get a compeed patch on the coldsore, it seals it from the air.

I got the mother of all cold sores about 3 days after DS was born - it was actually about four all joined together. I couldn't kiss him for about two weeks. I used that antibacterial hand wash stuff that you just rub in all over your hands - the kind they have in hospitals - before I touched him. The Compeed patches worked well and I've since made up the kisses