Hsv transmission to infant

[dani87]

I have oral HSV 1 confirmed by blood test in 2018 with an igg of 39. I am not sure how long I have had it but I have only had one cold sore in my life which appeared in 2021. I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy August 8th of this year. Yesterday my son was taking a nap on my chest and being incredibly tired I dozed off as well. When I woke up I realized my lips were pressed against the top of his head and I had drooled a little bit. I don’t know how long my lips were pressed against his head. I know from reading this forum that the skin on the top of the head is too thick to pass the virus via a quick kiss, but I am worried about the prolonged skin contact with my lips. I do not have an active cold sore but my lip was burning for a little bit two days ago. I will never forgive myself if I have passed this on to him especially with him only being a few weeks old. I know all I can do is wait and see but I am praying there is some reassurance to calm my nerves in the meantime. Thank you!

[Terri Warren]

I understand that this is scary for you but I seriously doubt that you infected your son with HSV 1. You are correct, the skin of his little head is quite thick and I think this presents a very low risk situation.

I would suggest that for the next week or so, you just keep a very normal eye on him, be sure he’s eating well and seeming normal. If you have any concerns, check in with your pediatrician, but I’m guessing he will be absolutely fine.

Is this your first baby?

Terri

[dani87]

He is not my first. I have another son who is almost 9. But when he was born I knew nothing of HSV. I kissed my first born all the time. I didn’t start learning about HSV until my blood test results in 2018. My first born has never had a cold sore but of course I know now that doesn’t mean he has not been infected. In all my reading I came across a post where Dr. Hansfield states that if a mother has HSV before pregnancy, she will pass these antibodies to her baby that will offer some protection for the first few months of life. This post however was from 2007. Does this still hold true? I will still continue to not kiss my son or let others but knowing there may be at least a little protection would be somewhat reassuring. The saying that ignorance is bliss is so very true. Since my blood test and all of the things I have come to learn about HSV, I am in a constant anxiety. But knowledge of this is very important as well so I guess it is kind of a catch 22. I drive my husband crazy but as mothers we just want to protect our children.

[Terri Warren]

It is true that a baby will have some antibody from the mom up to about 6 months, yes.
I totally understand that you want to protect your child, and in infancy, this is very important, yes.
But there is an interesting thing going on because parents now get that cold sores are “herpes” and so they are very careful about not infecting kids with cold sores. But that means that society is pushing the first infection with HSV 1 to sexual maturity when the kids begin to receive oral sex and they get it genitally for the first time. It’s really complicated, isn’t it?

But in infancy you definitely want to be careful about kissing kids on the lips if you have HSV 1 infection orally. Or letting others do the same.

Terri

[dani87]

Hi Terri, I am hoping that I read correctly and that this can count as my 2nd follow up question, if not please let me know. Here we are a few months later from my last incident where I was concerned about transmission to my son. I have still had no active cold sore but again while talking a nap and with my son even though it didn’t start out this way and he was in a co sleeper in the bed, I woke to find his face pressed against my lip and this time it was his closed eye. All I can think is in my sleep I must have pulled us together to cuddle him. He has had watery eyes due to clogged ducts and I don’t know again how long my lips were pressed against his closed eye or if he had opened them at any point. Is it possible to transmit this way. I already take such precautions in not kissing him and keeping my lips away from his face. I now I feel like I can’t even cuddle him. If this happens how dangerous could this be for him? Will he go blind? He is almost 4 months old now. All I do is worry.

[Terri Warren]

By now, if he was going to have facial herpes,he would have symptoms of blistering on his face. I’m betting a lot of money that he does not. without a cold sore, I think the likelihood of you transmitting virus to him is very low indeed. Don’t hesitate to snuggle with him over this worry. It’s very important that you keep that up. Would you feel better if you went on suppressive therapy for some months while he is very small to reduce the risk of getting a cold sore and viral shedding?

Terri

[dani87]

You are correct, he has not shown any symptoms at this point. I would be more than willing to take antivirals for more peace of mind. In the last four years I have only had one cold sore with no antiviral therapy. What dose would you recommend I take?

[Terri Warren]

IF your provider agrees to prescribe for you, and I can’t think why not, a good dose is 500 mg daily of valacyclovir.

Terri

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