Newborn and cold sore

[LBNM19]

My baby is 4 days old and i think I'm developing a cold sore. Only had them twice before but can feel a sore lump on my lip tonight. I've been kissing him but obviously won't again for now. Has anyone else had a cold sore and a newborn. I'm worrying.

I did in DS's first week. I didn't kiss him once I knew and until the sore was gone (it's hard to do!). I also went super hot on hand washing and nappy changes. My friend also had one when her DD was 2 weeks old and did the same thing. neither showed any signs of unwellness.

If you have had cold sores before then baby should have some immunity from you which is good.

Firstly, congratulations on your little one 😊

My immune system seemed to stop functioning properly for a long time after my baby was born and I had cold sores fairly regularly. I was worried because I'd heard some terrible stories. I just made sure to thoroughly wash my hands and try not to touch my face, and definitely wash my hands if I did. I didn't kiss my baby until I was certain it had gone. So far we haven't had any problems. I'm fairly cautious if I feel I might be getting a cold sore and avoid close contact just in case, and it sounds like you are too.

I didn't know that about babies having immunity from the virus of you've had colds sores before. Good to know

I don't know how much or for how long but anything helps! I'd still follow the strictest of hygiene practices with an active sore though!

@meow1989 absolutely!

Hmm I'm not sure I believe that 'building up immunity' part.

If we built up immunity to cold sores then why do they recur? The virus simply lays dormant and flares up as and when it pleases.

It doesn't seem logical that a baby would benefit from immunity of the mums had previous cold sores.

My DH developed one when DD was a day and a half old and just transferred into SCBU. He was banned from visiting for 48 hours and we were worried even beyond then. I got him to get the patches with acyclovir in them which also over the cold sore up and he had to wash his hands really well after putting a patch on and as much as possible after that. Nothing happened to DD.

Do not kiss him. It's a very dangerous virus for newborns.

Get the patches, best way to prevent spread of the infection.

Can you take the L Lysine supplement too to boost your system?

My consultant told me yesterday if you have a coldsore during pregnancy (which I currently do ) then the baby will be immune to your strain and it's only other people's coldsores are dangerous to them.