Amy Stinton was a new mother and she became concerned when a problem occurred with her 14-month-old baby. Oliver begin to develop some rashes and she took him to the doctor, imagining that he might have chickenpox. She was shocked to learn that her baby had actually contracted herpes!
Although Stinton does not want to place the blame on anyone, she does feel that he became infected after somebody with a cold sore kissed him.
Her son was hospitalized for four days on an IV drip due to this outbreak.
This isn’t the first time that we have heard this story. Other parents have also posted pictures on Facebook of babies with herpes that came from the kiss of an adult. In many cases, the adult may not even know that they have the infection! It is rare, but it can occur.
Herpes is a disease caused by a virus. There are two different types of herpes, herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. Herpes type 2 is transmitted sexually.
What is surprising is that up to 67% of the worlds population may have herpes simplex virus type I. For some people, it may show up as a cold sore but others who have this type of herpes have no symptoms and are unaware that they are a carrier. It is unlikely that they can pass the infection, but it is possible.
Babies under the age of three are particularly vulnerable to herpes because they have not developed enough of an immune system. Herpes can cause infections in the eyes, brain and throughout the organs and can even be life-threatening.
Since this post was made, Stinson has reported that Oliver’s condition has improved. He is still sore, but getting better.
As a result of this issue, many people have taken the stand that if somebody has a cold sore, even if it’s grandma, kissing doesn’t happen.
Via: Scary Mummy
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