Festive family gatherings and the dangers of neonatal herpes

Christmas is a time for family gatherings, when relatives old and young can come together to celebrate the season. For relatives that live far apart, this can be a long-anticipated opportunity to meet the newest members of the family for the first time. But before you pass your baby around a long line of relations, all eager to kiss and cuddle them and soak up that new baby scent, it’s important to be aware of the risks of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Because in some cases, one sweet little kiss could lead to neonatal herpes and have serious consequences.

What is HSV?

HSV is a common viral infection. So common, in fact, that approximately 90% of the world’s population carries a strain of the virus.

• HSV-1: Commonly causes oral herpes, but can also cause genital herpes.
• HSV-2: Typically causes genital herpes, but can also lead to oral herpes.

HSV is highly contagious and can be passed on through direct skin-to-skin contact, sharing cutlery, towels and kissing.

What happens if an adult catches HSV?

For some people, they will display no symptoms at all. For others, the virus can lie dormant before symptoms appear. These are typically flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a painful blister or cold sore around the mouth area.

What happens if a baby catches HSV?

Because a baby’s immune system is underdeveloped at birth, the risks associated with contracting HSV can be serious. Neonatal herpes, caused by HSV, is rare. However it is important that all parents are aware of the danger it could pose to their baby.

Symptoms of neonatal herpes

• Irritability
• Feeding less
• High temperature of 38°C or more
• A rash or sores on their skin, around their eyes or inside their mouth

If your baby displays these symptoms, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately. If your baby contracts neonatal herpes and it is not treated, there is a chance the virus could spread to the baby’s organs and cause serious complications, and tragically even death.

How to minimise the risk of neonatal herpes

• Make sure anyone wanting to hold your baby washes their hands thoroughly before doing so
• Discourage anyone who is not a close family member from kissing your baby. Remember, most people carry a strain of HSV without even knowing they do.
• Even close family members should avoid kissing their baby near their mouth, nose or eyes. The top of the baby’s head is the safest place to kiss them.
• No one should kiss a baby if they have a cold sore.

Speak to the experts

Here at YourGP, we understand what a worry it can be for parents when their child is ill. Whatever your health concern, whether it is something affecting you or your child, you can book an appointment using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to help you and your family on the road to good health.