Baby and contact with relative who has coldsore

[Stressingcantsleep]

I’m hoping you’ll tell me I’m overreacting but I’m in an anxiety spiral due to contact between my baby and a relative with a visible coldsore today. They’d been told not to kiss the baby, be careful with hand washing etc. Towards the end of the day relative put their hand in a fist over their mouth and then held babies hand, then baby pretty much immediately put their fist in their mouth. I wasn’t able to stop this happening in time and now freaking out about potential risk of virus having transferred and baby getting seriously ill. Apart from keeping an eye on baby for any symptoms there’s nothing I can do now?! Feel like an awful mother for putting baby in this situation and can’t stop thinking about the absolute worse things that could now happen.

[PickAChew]

Most people end up with cold sores eventually. I brought up 2 babies, having them, myself, and now both are older teens who don't have coldsores.

[PeopleAreShit]

No advice, but I would tell this person that they shouldn’t have done this. You know what to look out for and baby will likely be fine. But people think they know best and maybe consider not letting them see the baby if they can’t not touch them whilst contagious?

[Stressingcantsleep]

Yes I’d seen the % of people who have the virus as adults is really high. Just worrying I guess as baby is under 6m and doesn’t have a strong immune system to deal with it yet. I guess I know the chance of something really bad happening is quite low but can’t stop worrying. Reassuring that you’ve been through similar and both your kids are fine.

[Stressingcantsleep]

@PeopleAreShit yes absolutely will be much more careful from now on. Feel awful for putting baby at risk and it’s definitely not happening again.

[User17865]

You’re right there isn’t anything you can do now. In future though you could ask them to wear the patches if they’re around your baby. Then if they do touch their face they’re not touching the cold sore as it’s covered.

[Stressingcantsleep]

@User17865 that’s a good idea. Will speak to them ahead of the next visit to make sure that happens.

[OnThisHarvestMoon]

My 6mo has developed a cold sore and I’m beside myself with worry. I really don’t know how it happened as we’re aware of the dangers and have never let anyone with an active cold sore kiss her/hold her. However, the gp I spoke to today did say it was possible for carriers of the virus to shed it even if they don’t have a cold sore, and we do have a few family members prone to cold sores, so it’s possible she got it that way.

We’ve consulted with two gps and they’ve essentially said to do nothing except watch and wait to see if she becomes otherwise ill. (So far no symptoms beyond the cold sore itself).

Just wondering if anyone has experienced similar and has any advice? I’m so anxious I’m unable to sleep.

Thanks so much xxx

[Thepossibility]

I often get coldsores and my kids have all been exposed to me their whole lives. Even running up and kissing me before I can stop them . But none of the three of them have ever had one!
I'm no expert but I think some people must just be more naturally susceptible?

[Stressingcantsleep]

@OnThisHarvestMoon no advice but I’m really sorry that you’re going through that. I’ve read about the shedding of the virus, it almost seems like it’s impossible to avoid if you have relatives who get coldsores, even if you are incredibly careful which you have been. I hope your daughter doesn’t develop any other symptoms - is it 10 days or so you need to watch for them to develop? xx

[Stressingcantsleep]

@Thepossibility that makes sense, probably some degree of being susceptible and then also of getting the virus with no symptoms and being fine. I’ve read that the majority of adults have the virus and it can lay dormant in a lot of people. Reassuring to hear that your children have always been fine and avoided coldsores x

[OnThisHarvestMoon]

Thank you. Honestly don’t know how many days until we’re out of the woods. The gps we’ve sen have both been very casual and unconcerned about the whole thing which has surprised me.

[Creative34]

@Stressingcantsleep

I’m hoping you’ll tell me I’m overreacting but I’m in an anxiety spiral due to contact between my baby and a relative with a visible coldsore today. They’d been told not to kiss the baby, be careful with hand washing etc. Towards the end of the day relative put their hand in a fist over their mouth and then held babies hand, then baby pretty much immediately put their fist in their mouth. I wasn’t able to stop this happening in time and now freaking out about potential risk of virus having transferred and baby getting seriously ill. Apart from keeping an eye on baby for any symptoms there’s nothing I can do now?! Feel like an awful mother for putting baby in this situation and can’t stop thinking about the absolute worse things that could now happen.

I wouldn’t allow that person to see my child again. It can be a death sentence. How incredibly reckless and stupid they are.

Its easy to protect yourself from cold sores. They are a terrible thing to be burdened with in life. Stress.. sun exposure.. sickness - always appearing on your face 😖

100% they would not be near my
child again