Dangers of Coldsores for Newborns (Warning content may disturb)

[jemima]

This is such a sad story.

I have had bouts of terrible coldsores on my face for as long as I can remember. They seem to surface when I am run down or stressed but I wasnt aware that some form of immunity would be transferred to my children through the umbilical cord. I know I had at least one bout of coldsores throughout each of my pregnancies so I am hoping that this means the children wont suffer from them.

I am super careful around the children when I have a coldsore - like I mean over the top washing of hands and I dont let them lie on my pillow, no kisses (which is hard although they know if I have a coldsore not to get too close to it). So far so good because I would hate for them to go through the horrible pain of coldsores.

[indie24]

Sorry to highjack this thread but I am curious. My DD is 8 weeks old. I have never had cold sores but my DH gets them when he is run down. He currently has one. So does this mean he needs to be careful washing his hands and not putting DD near his face while he has them?

[feeb]

Yes make sure he washes his hand before he touches her and dont let him kiss her or let her hands touch his face.

Please be very careful

[~mamaspice~]

Oh this is a very sad story and luckily fairly rare. Considering about 80% of the population are infected with HSV1 (coldsores) many many bubs would have a degree of immunity from their mother. it is just unfortunate that baby Mira's mum had her first outbreak at this time.

I never thought I'd say it but it makes me glad that I got my first coldsore about 10 years ago because at least now I know my bub will have a degree of immunity. It is also important to note that you can get coldsores not only on your lips. Someone I know of gets them on their hand, My first ever outbreak was on my cheek of all things. And as Renstar said those who are infected with the virus can actually shed it from time to time without even having a coldsore. It's fairly rare but it does happen.
I guess utmost hygiene is the key here, especially where young bubs are concerned.

Sorry to get off track here but it also makes me think about CMV. This is another virus that is related to the herpes family. When adults get it, it usually causes nothing more than flu like symptoms. It is another very common virus but if the mother gets her first infection in pregnancy then it can cause brain damage and deafness to the unborn baby. I knew nothing about this virus until my friends premmie baby had gotten it. Small children who have the virus in their system excrete it in their urine so it is very very important for pregnant women who already have a baby/toddler to wash hands thoroughly after changing a nappy as CMV can be excreted in urine for months or even years. And like I said it is commonly just mistaken for the flu so many many adults and young children have already had this virus. And sorry, don't mean to freak anyone out but it's another one to be weiry of.