Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

I am so upset right now. My inlaws came from out of state to visit yesterday. By the time they were here for about 3 hours I noticed my MIL had a cold sore on her upper lip. She had already held Nate (who is 10 days old today) for a while. I don't know if she kissed him--on the face, on the hands, etc. as I wasn't with her the whole time she was holding him. As soon as I noticed I made sure she didn't touch him again. I told my husband when he got home from work and he spoke to her. She said she had no idea you shouldn't be near a newborn if you have a cold sore. Idiot! You shouldn't be touching or kissing ANYONE especially an infant. When he asked her when she started to get it, she said last week after we saw you in the hospital. So Nate was exposed to it last week when he was just hours old and now again today at 9 days old. I assume she was washing her hands while she was in my house, but again you are an adult, I should have to tell you to wash your hands or stay away from my child if you have a cold sore. It is just common sense. I wish wish wish I had noticed it earlier, I just really wasn't even paying attention. But I will from now on.

I had read a while back that the reaction in an infant can be extremely severe if they catch the HSV-1 virus before 3 months. I told my family (mom and dad as well as grandma all get cold sores) that they cannot come near the baby if they have one. I told my DH too, but both of us neglected to tell the inlaws. The worst part is if the baby contracts it, they have to get IV anti viral drugs for 12 to 21 days. I can't even type or say aloud what the terrible, horrendous effects could be. Two years ago my dad had viral encephalitis due to an outbreak of HSV-1. He had seizures, was in the ICU for days and then received antiviral IV for 21 days. He is still not quite the same and he is one of the lucky ones considering what could have happened to him.

I am so scared. I called the pediatrician and am waiting for a call back. Now I will be taking his temp everyday for the next 12 days and watching for all the signs of infection. This is the last thing I need to worry about right now with caring for a newborn and all the normal stress that comes along with that.

I really can't deal with my MIL on a normal basis and this just put me over the edge. They were supposed to come back to spend the day today but my husband told them either 1) don't come back or 2) MIL has to wear a face mask and gloves and stay away from Nate. They chose to leave and good riddance. Now we are probably the center of the next family drama, but I don't care. Our baby is number one and TS to anyone who feels offended. Thanks God I have my husband's support.

Please-has anyone else had to deal with this???

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

I get cold sores and I got a BAD one the day after DD was born...hormones and stress

I wasn't able to kiss her until it was all healed. But held her and she was obviously around me constantly...I BFed...changed diapers, etc.

She was fine. Never got one.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

I am so sorry I would put another call in to your dr if they dont call back. This may sound gross...but was it an open sore or was it dried up and looking like it was going away? I would imagine if it was new, open or pu$$y it would be more contagious than if it were at the end of its cycle.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

I know you are very upset.

I had a similar situation and it was ME!
I suffer from cold sores/fever blisters...A LOT!

Well, DD was about 2/3 months old...and I noticed a small rash appear on her left arm. I would add lotion, Aquafor...it wasnt going away. I thought it was a bug bit (it was summer at time).

I took her to doc and doc said, its a virus..like a cold sore.
I already knew
he then asked me if I had one and I couldnt remember but if I did it didnt last long.

He said, yup..you passed it on to her and OF COURSE I felt terrible. My doc said....you are her mommy and of course you are going to be kissing her and hugging her..it wasnt intentional.

Luckily it went right away and never came back.

I of course now and more careful but I havent had an outbreak in quite some time.

So I hope this helps and he will be ok.

Message edited 4/17/2008 12:36:14 PM.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

HSV-1 is the oral herpes virus right? I'm so sorry, i've never heard of treatment for it or the reaction in a baby.. :hug

I was told it could only be spread through mucous membranes-kissing mouth to mouth saliva to saliva, eyes, and nose

Please try not to worry, i know it's hard, but 75% of the population carry the HSV-1 virus, it depends on your immune system if you get cold sores or not.

Plus baby is still protected by your antibodies right now

Are you postive it was a cold sore and not a canker? Cankers are not contagious at all.

Message edited 4/17/2008 12:12:52 PM.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Thanks for your responses. My Dh asked her and she did say it was a cold sore--I wish it was a canker sore. It was drying up. From what she told us it came out last week Wed or so. She saw him in the hospital on Tues.

The doc called and he said to watch for (obviously) a cold sore or other lesions in/on he mouth and a fever (as always in a newborn). He said unfortunately it is hard to say if Nate was exposed--did she wash her hands? Did she kiss him? Did she touch her mouth before she touched him? Too many variables.

I am praying that he is okay and this doesn't effect him.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

I get cold sores. Yes, people should take precautions but you can't blame someone for getting them. If you feel more comfortable, have your MIL wear a mask while she has one. I visited DS in the NICU when I had one. I wore a mask. The nurses were a lot more concerned when I started to get a very swollen gland. Now that he is home, I have no choice and I do touch him while I have a cold sore but I take precautions that some would consider extreme. I am a constant hand washer anyway. If DH is around, only he does the diaper change and most feedings while I have a cold sore. He does not get them.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

I hate to say this and I hope it doesnt seem insensitive because I know how hard it is to follow this advice, but try to relax.

Just watch your son, tell every one who comes in the house that if they would like to hold the baby, there is soap and purell on the counter, and try to just enjoy your child. I do know how hard it is to relax with a new baby, but try, most of the time, we have the worst scenario in our head, and the baby is fine.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

I get cold sores on my lip every so often. Since my son was born I think I have had two and both times DH took the brunt of the responsibility for DS but I did hold him and care for him as well. I was just super crazy about washing my hands and not kissing him..except once...

DH was working late and I was with DS. He woke up and I was rocking him in the dark and kissed his head I was so upset...but nothing ever came of it.

I am overly cautious now but the good news is that nothing happened to my son and hopefully your son won't have any problem either.

Keep an eye on him...very smart to contact your doctor about this situation so they have the heads up. Also very good of your husband to speak to his mom about the situation right away - good to see you are both on the same page. Hopefully this will never happen again.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Ok I have to be totally honest here. I never even heard of this as a risk. I have had 3 cold sores since DD was born (she is 8 months) I never took any precautions and I am the primary one to care for her. Im sure I kissed her alot on the cheecks and face ect....and she is totally fine. I think your son will be fine try not to stress too much...

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

I've suffered from cold sores for as long as I could remember. I have been with DH for almost 7 years, my DS is 2 and my DD is 9 months and nobody as ever gotton one. I take my precautions.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Honestly people can be so careless!!! You would think that they would know better, but i think that most people that get cold sores are in denial that it is the herpes virus and that in an infant it could cause serious damage.

Right before I gave birth I noticed that my MIL had a cold sore, so after DS was born I made sure that my husband told everyone that they were never to kiss the baby!!! I think that his side of the family all think I am crazy and over precautious, but to be honest, i really dont want anyone other than my husband or I kissing our baby. People have enough germs, regardless of whether or not they have the HSV-1 virus and I think that putting your saliva on any newborn that's not your own is just wrong!!!

Message edited 4/17/2008 1:26:26 PM.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Well, my sister came over today and I relaxed a bit and tried to not think about it. I just look at him and he is so innocent and helpless...and my responsibility, so I get worried very quickly. By the way, prior to 10 days ago I was very easy going, never stressed or worried. I guess I am now officially a mommy!

I know MIL did not mean to cause any harm and I know that people who have cold sores generally are very cautious especially in my family since we have seen the worst case scenario that can come of the virus.

Thanks to those of you who responded with your own situations--it helped put my mind at ease a bit.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Posted by Foodie03

Well, my sister came over today and I relaxed a bit and tried to not think about it. I just look at him and he is so innocent and helpless...and my responsibility, so I get worried very quickly. By the way, prior to 10 days ago I was very easy going, never stressed or worried. I guess I am now officially a mommy!

I know MIL did not mean to cause any harm and I know that people who have cold sores generally are very cautious especially in my family since we have seen the worst case scenario that can come of the virus.

Thanks to those of you who responded with your own situations--it helped put my mind at ease a bit.

Message edited 4/17/2008 6:38:32 PM.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

My sister told me about this when her son was born. I thought she was over exaggerating as a first time mom etc until I read up on it and discovered she was right to be alarmed.

When DD was born a year later my cousin came to visit and I only noticed when she was sitting holding my dd with her face inches from hers that she had a cold sore I swear I nearly had a panic attack on the spot...I told her I needed to feed her and ran off with her. Later that day I brought it up as if I had only just noticed and asked my cousin not to kiss her - she said no problem and she too had never heard of this.

So I totally understand where you are coming from and you are completely justified in your actions. Its your child and you do whatever it takes whenever wherever to keep that child safe.

I will add though that despite my sisters best intentions and being militant about not having anyone touch her newborn he is now 3 and has had his first cold sore so I guess its sometimes inevitable despite all the measures we take.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Posted by lululu

Posted by chelle

Posted by lululu

but i think that most people that get cold sores are in denial that it is the herpes virus and that in an infant it could cause serious damage.

I have to disagree with you on this one. I think most are NOT in denial, because we are the one's that get them and we KNOW what we go through when we have them and wouldn't want anyone else to go through it, let alone an infant.

I take VERY serious precautions when and if I have one, ESPECIALLY where my child or some one elses child is concerned.

I should clarify what i meant - i dont really mean people in our generation, but rather the older generation, like my MIL and the OP's MIL. If I were to refer to my MIL's cold sore as herpes i think she would have a heart attack.... because of that attitude, i think a lot of the older folks think that herpes is this huge taboo thing and god forbid you accuse them of having any version of it.... therefore they also dont think they need to take the necessary precautions, because hey, its just a cold sore. I didn't mean to offend anyone. sorry!!!

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Posted by LuvMy2Girls

HSV-1 is the oral herpes virus right? I'm so sorry, i've never heard of treatment for it or the reaction in a baby.. :hug

I was told it could only be spread through mucous membranes-kissing mouth to mouth saliva to saliva, eyes, and nose

Please try not to worry, i know it's hard, but 75% of the population carry the HSV-1 virus, it depends on your immune system if you get cold sores or not.

Plus baby is still protected by your antibodies right now

Are you postive it was a cold sore and not a canker? Cankers are not contagious at all.

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Posted by DUCKS2001

Posted by LuvMy2Girls

HSV-1 is the oral herpes virus right? I'm so sorry, i've never heard of treatment for it or the reaction in a baby.. :hug

I was told it could only be spread through mucous membranes-kissing mouth to mouth saliva to saliva, eyes, and nose

Please try not to worry, i know it's hard, but 75% of the population carry the HSV-1 virus, it depends on your immune system if you get cold sores or not.

Plus baby is still protected by your antibodies right now

Are you postive it was a cold sore and not a canker? Cankers are not contagious at all.

Canker sores are in the mouth ?

cold sores are outside?

Re: Cold sore/HSV-1 and infant--so scared

Cankers can also be on the lips. My Hubby gets cankers when he bites his lip and he's drinking lots of acidic drinks or eating acidic foods.