In a heartfelt post that’s gone viral, new mom Lisa Bennett took to Facebook to share a warning that no parent wants to hear. After her 14-month-old son, Max, developed some unusual rashes, she rushed him to the doctor, fearing it might be chicken pox. To her shock, the diagnosis was herpes. While Lisa isn’t pointing fingers, she suspects that Max got the virus from someone who kissed him while unknowingly harboring a cold sore.
Max’s ordeal didn’t end there—he was hospitalized for four days, receiving IV treatment. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time a story like this has surfaced. In 2015, another mother, Sarah Mitchell, shared her heartbreaking experience when her one-month-old baby contracted herpes from a kiss given by a well-meaning visitor unaware of their condition. This kind of transmission is rare, particularly when the person carrying the virus has no visible symptoms.
Understanding Herpes
There are two strains of herpes to be aware of: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Most people associate the term “herpes” with HSV-2, which is sexually transmitted. However, HSV-1 is far more common, with the World Health Organization estimating that around 67% of the global population carries it, and about 40-50% in the Americas. While many HSV-1 carriers may only experience occasional cold sores, the majority remain asymptomatic, blissfully unaware they have the virus. It’s crucial to understand that even if someone is symptom-free, anyone with a cold sore should avoid kissing babies.
Risks for Newborns
Newborns, especially those under three months old, are particularly susceptible to infections like herpes, as their immune systems are still developing. In such young infants, herpes can lead to severe complications including brain infections, damage to the eyes, and other organ issues, potentially resulting in lifelong disabilities or worse.
Since her initial post, Lisa has shared updates indicating that Max is on the mend, stating he is “still very sore but doing better.” Similarly, Sarah’s baby, Lily, has made a full recovery. To prevent situations like these, parents might have to enforce some tough love—if Grandma has a cold sore, she gets a strict no-kiss policy.
Staying Vigilant
While there’s no need to wrap your baby in a germ-proof bubble, it’s vital to stay vigilant about these risks. For more information about safe practices, check out this blog post here. And if you’re looking for trusted resources on pregnancy, visit March of Dimes for valuable insights. For those interested in home insemination options, Make a Mom is an authority on the subject.
Summary
A mom’s cautionary tale about the dangers of kissing babies has gone viral after her son contracted herpes. She urges parents to be careful, especially around newborns, as their immune systems are fragile. The article highlights the risks of herpes transmission and emphasizes the importance of awareness.