Transmission question

[Scared247]

Hi Terri,

I have a transmission question. A couple of days ago I touched my cold sore and did a quick hand wash afterwards but then a couple minutes later I went to change my babys diaper. In the process the wipe slipped out of my hand and my fingers that touched my cold sore touched my baby boys genitals. What is the risk that I transmitted the virus to him down there?

[Scared247]

I’m sorry I couldn’t figure out how to edit my post. The reason I say quick hand washing is because this was in the middle of the night and I probably wasn’t conscious about scrubbing my hands as well. I am worried sick about this and cannot sleep. Also, does hand sanitizer kill the herpes virus? Also what is the incubation period for the herpes virus?

[Terri Warren]

STOP WORRYING! The chances that you would infect your baby in this way is incredibly tiny if not zero. You did wash your hands (even if a short one) and soap is death to the virus. Also, the wipe I am certain has some antigerm stuff going on. It also takes a significant volume to infect someone. Also, how old is your baby?
The incubation period from infection to symptoms is 2-10 days.

Terri

[Scared247]

Thank you so much!! It is such a relief to hear you say this. I said baby but he is 15 months. And what about the hand sanitizer? Does this also kill the virus?

[Terri Warren]

Hand sanitizers vary, but the one we use in our office specifically says it kills herpes virus. Have you read the label?

Terri

[Scared247]

The one I have doesn’t specify viruses. The active ingredient is 68% alcohol. This is a constant worry of mine that my husband or I will indirectly infect the kids through diapering. I am afraid one time we will forget to wash our hands or maybe not wash good enough. How worried do I need to be about this situation? Have you have ever seen cases where this has happened? I am driving myself crazy worrying about this

[Terri Warren]

You do NOT need to be worried about this situation! I am certain that you will wash your hands well enough – how likely is it that you would get any quantity of virus on your hands anyway? I have never ever seen this happen in 32 years of practice and I’ve had plenty of parents worried about it. Please- live fully with your child and put this worry away.

Terri

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