Cold sore and newborn

[olira2203]

Hi everyone, I’m freaking out as I woke up with a cold sore, probably post Cesarean.

I have 3 days old newborn at home and I’m freaking out that I could pass it to him. Maybe I already did as I kissed him yesterday few times.

Any advice? Should I go to A&E and check with them?

So far baby is eating through breastfeeding and formula as I don’t have enough breast milk just yet.

[Seb9]

I would contact 111 and see what advice they can give you as they might want baby checked over by a doctor.

Keep your sore covered and make sure you wash your hands before handling baby.

The nhs website says this about herpes in babies;

What are the warning signs in babies?

Because newborn babies have underdeveloped immune systems, they can quickly become seriously ill after catching the virus.

Call a GP or your health visitor straight away if your baby:

is lethargic or irritable

is not feeding

has a high temperature (fever) – find out how to take your baby's temperature

has a rash or sores on the skin, eyes and inside the mouth

These are early warning signs that your baby may be unwell.

Call 999 immediately if your baby:

is lacking in energy (listless)

is becoming floppy and unresponsive

is difficult to wake up from sleep

has breathing difficulties or starts grunting

breathes rapidly

has a blue tongue and skin (cyanosis)

Very often the baby will not have any specific herpes symptoms, such as a rash.

But they can become unwell very quickly, so you need to act fast.

[olira2203 in reply to Seb9]

Thank you, I read NHS advice. I called 111 and then spoke to GP over the phone. She said not much they can do unless baby develops any symptoms.

[Natasha213]

Hay

I developed a cold sore when my baby was a few weeks old and also was incredibly worried as like you I had kissed my baby the day before. However, as soon as the cold sore came out I was very careful not to touch my face, sanitize my hands before picking up or touching and thankfully they were fine. I know it's a worry but if you don't know you had it there is nothing you could have done x