I have a cold sore and my newborn just headbutted me I'm so terrified now!!

Ok, so last weekend I had mastitis really bad in both breasts. I had the chills, body aches, my breasts looked swollen and sunburned. I called the ob/gyn to try and get in that day and they told me that they never heard of that before and that I would have to wait a few days to come in. I told her that I was breastfeeding, that I read about the infection in all my breastfeeding books and I am almost certain that I had mastitis. She still told me I had to wait about a week to come in. My breasts were in so much pain, it hurt so bad to nurse and pump. Well Monday I ended up getting 104 fever and started seeing double. My husband rushed me to the ER and left our 3 week old son at my mothers house so he wouldn't be exposed to the germs there. I end up having to be there for 4 hours and was diagnosed with mastitis... just like I had suspected.
Well, due to the fever, infection, and stay at the ER my entire bottom lip and corners are covered in painful cold sores and there is one on my top lip. I have always gotten cold sores since I was a baby but never like this, always one or two at a time and only occurring once a year... the ones I have now are so painful and I look hideous. I have been super super cautious when it comes to my son, since day one, having no cold sores, I still never kissed him on the eyes nose or mouth because I know I have the virus in my system and told my husband to do the same since he obviously kisses me and could have the virus but never got a cold sore and advised him to never let anyone kiss him on the eyes nose or mouth just in case they have the dormant virus. Since I have had the cold sores (past 2 days) I have been extra cautious, I have only changed him 2 times because I don't want to spread this, I wash my hands all the time and even try not to hold him which is painful because I am his mother and he is only 31/2 weeks old... all I want to do is hold him.

This morning I was changing him and picked him up after and he head butted me in the mouth with his forehead I instantly grabbed the antibacterial squirted it in my hand and rubbed his forehead with it. I ran to my computer and googled and of course I am reading all these stories where infants have died after being exposed to the cold sore virus and it attaching itself to all their organs and by the time you know it, its too late they are dying. I am beside myself, I can't stop crying. Why do I have to be so gross and have this stupid virus which is harmful to my son! Why did I even hold him, how stupid am I!! I am so afraid my son is going to die. We have a doctors appointment today at 3:15, I don't even know what they are going to say to me. How would they even be able to tell if he was exposed or not this early?

Re: I have a cold sore and my newborn just headbutted me I'm so terrified now!!

I just wanted to send you some hugs. Im sure everything will be fine. I hope you feel better and the dr made you feel better today.

Re: I have a cold sore and my newborn just headbutted me I'm so terrified now!!

Sounds like you have had quite the week! I hope you feel better and try not to be so hard on yourself!

Re: I have a cold sore and my newborn just headbutted me I'm so terrified now!!

I'm dealing with a cold sore now too. They always hit me when I'm stressed. One key thing I've learned is to take Lysine supplement at the onset and keep taking till it goes away. Lysine is a plant enzyme that for some reason inhibits the virus.

I think as long as the skin on your newborn head is intact, the chances of you passing it are very slim. I wouldn't worry about it until the ped tells you too. Its not worth adding more stress and there is nothing you can do about it until then.

Re: I have a cold sore and my newborn just headbutted me I'm so terrified now!!

Calm down.

Stop reading these stories on the computer. They will just freak you out even more.

Cold sores are VERY common. I have never heard of a newborn dieing because his/her mother had a cold sore.

He would have had to have a cut on his forehead to even catch anything.

Please try not to worry. And you should hold your baby. Just wash your hands first.

Re: I have a cold sore and my newborn just headbutted me I'm so terrified now!!

Posted by babybug631

Calm down.

Stop reading these stories on the computer. They will just freak you out even more.

Cold sores are VERY common. I have never heard of a newborn dieing because his/her mother had a cold sore.

He would have had to have a cut on his forehead to even catch anything.

Please try not to worry. And you should hold your baby. Just wash your hands first.

Re: I have a cold sore and my newborn just headbutted me I'm so terrified now!!

Also, your baby should still have your antibodies, including the ones you developed from having cold sores. I really wouldn't worry too much about it. And, please, step away from the internet!