When it comes to baby etiquette, there are some golden rules everyone should follow. Wash your hands before picking up a baby, don’t pry about whether a new mom is breastfeeding, and definitely don’t ask if she’s planning on having more kids. And now, let’s add “keep kisses to a minimum” to that list.
A mother from the UK, named Sarah, recently shared a concerning photo of her baby, Lily, who ended up with a mouth full of painful cold sores after someone who carried the herpes virus kissed her. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that around 50 million Americans have HSV-2, the strain typically linked to genital herpes, but an even larger number—nearly 70% of the population—are affected by HSV-1, which is responsible for cold sores. The tricky part? You don’t need to have an active cold sore to pass it on; most people with the virus don’t show any symptoms at all.
While we generally don’t think of cold sores—or herpes—as serious health threats, they can be life-threatening for newborns. Babies under three months old have immature immune systems and are much more vulnerable. The World Health Organization estimates that around 60% of infants who contract the herpes virus without treatment do not survive.
Most babies that test positive for herpes acquire it during birth, but that wasn’t the case for little Lily. Sarah was quick to recognize the symptoms and rushed her daughter to the hospital. Thankfully, after a series of tests, Lily was cleared and expected to go home soon.
The takeaway? As Sarah wisely advises, “Never let anyone kiss your newborn on the mouth, even if they seem perfectly healthy.” She hopes sharing Lily’s story will raise awareness and prevent other parents from going through a similar ordeal.
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In summary, be cautious about who kisses your baby, as it can lead to serious health risks. Awareness is key to keeping our little ones safe!
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