Hello!

I suffer from the occasional coldsore, I read and article where a baby died as a result of contracting this virus. Is my baby at risk or would I have already passed on the virus in utero? And does anyone know how this virus affects babies – ie how can it cause death?


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  • If you have an outbreak id definitely avoid kissing your baby, id probably speak to your OB-GYN about this as they can give you the correct information.
    coldsores can be very deadly towards a baby as their immune system cannot fight the virus.
    you can also get a test to see if one you have is A1 or A2 strain


  • You can’t pass it on in utero. If you have genital herpes (which is the same strain of virus) and you are suffering from an attack, you will have to have a c-section – hence why they always ask if you have that condition. You can kiss your baby if you don’t have a cold sore, but if you feel one coming on you have to be really careful about not kissing them, or sharing anything with them that your mouth has touched as yes, it can be very dangerous for babies – particularly newborns.


  • It most definitely can cause death in young babies. Avoid kissing them, as hard as that is :(


  • I have read of the cold sore virus causing a baby death too. From that I have learnt to never kiss your baby! Particularly around the face and head, but preferably anywhere. An inconvenience, but worth it if it keeps bub safe


  • yes i heard that story too. your baby is fine in utero, just be wary not to kiss or spread it if you are infectious or feel one coming on. I think that it is lower immunity in the babies that they can’t contain the virus so it is not good.

    so sad for that family as it was a relative that kissed the baby, not the parents.


  • Thanks June11 – as it’s a virus that I carry would my children already have it? And yes – my sister drank out of the juice bottle when we were all kids and lived at home and that’s how I believe I got the virus


  • Cold Sores are a type of Herpes Virus, contagious and can easily be spread by kissing or by fingering it and not washing your hands before touching another person or other objects.
    I know of a person who contracted them by drinking from a glass that a sufferer had drunk from. You cannot be too careful. Initially babies have a low immune system. Others can too if they have an autoimmune disease – there is plenty of them – it means they have a problem which weakens their system. In some cases they have a problem where they don’t absorb enough nutrition from what they eat. e,g, Some people with Coelic Disease don’t absorb enough iron from food that eat that contains good levels of iron. (they can’t eat grains containing gluten – wheat, rye, barley- or it damages their bowel too).


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