Cold sores and kissing baby

[JonnyPocketRocket]

I think I've done a terrible thing. I went to visit my DM recently with my 3mo baby. She's been super supportive since he's been born and given me loads of practical and emotional support. Part way through our visit she mentioned as part of another conversation that she felt like she was getting a cold sore. Sure enough, when I looked closely it looked like one was brewing, there was a little red inflamed-looking area just above her top lip. Problem is, she'd given my baby loads of kisses over the previous few days on his cheeks, forehead and hands. I felt a little bit annoyed but figured as she hadn't kissed him on the mouth it was probably ok. I just asked her to make sure she didn't kiss him anywhere near his mouth while she had the cold sore and she said of course she wouldn't. But now I've read on a FB group that it can be really dangerous to kiss a baby anywhere with a cold sore and that if it gets in their eyes they can go blind!
I'm panicking now that I've put my baby at a massive risk. If he's contracted the virus, will he show symptoms?? How will I know if it's affecting his vision?? Can't believe I didn't know about this - looking online it seems to be really common knowledge 😭😭

Bump for the daytime?

I don't know a huge amount but bumping in hopes someone who does comes along. From what I've seen the younger the baby the more dangerous cold sores can be to them and the symptoms would be quite obvious (I've known babies to require hospitalisation) so he won't just suddenly go blind without any sign of illness. Can you call the gp and ask for advice?

Unfortunately there’s nothing you can do about it now. You are now aware of it and can be extra cautious in the future. My dad very occasionally has cold sores, so he is never allowed to kiss our baby on the face. He always tries to kiss him but I remind him and turn the baby to the side.

kissing near eyes/mouth is dangerous as the virus can enter the body. I would assume that if she didn’t kiss him on the mouth, he’ll be fine. X

Could possibly of been my post you seen on Facebook. My DD was hospitalised last week due to this. Apparently it takes 2-12 days with coming into contact with a cold sore. My DD has severe eczema so this is why it didn’t have to be a kiss on her mouth it could of been anywhere on her body due to her skin being open. Put her to bed 8:30pm woke the next morning covered head to toe, called 111 and they told me it was viral and to take her in the garden to bring her temperature down, it was 39. Took her to hospital an hour later so glad I did! Just look out for the rash really and keep an eye on your LO temperature. Your instinct is always best

It's done now so don't panic, keep calm and extra vigilant for any rash and go straight to the docs with any concerns.

Oh dear. As others have said, it's done now so just keep an eye on him and if you notice anything different at all, speak to the GP. People with active cold sores shouldn't be kissing anyone anywhere, so tell your mum that it's incredibly important that she doesn't kiss him (or anyone else!) when she has an active cold sore.

Thanks all! Sorry I didn't come back to this earlier - been a busy day.
@Cindyloo20 I'm so sorry to hear about your DD 😔 How is she doing now? Useful to know about the 2-12 day incubation period too - so I can relax in a couple weeks! 😅
My DM feels pretty terrible now she's aware, so at least I don't think it'll be a recurring issue.

does anyone know how long cold sores are risk to babies , like what age ?