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The Doctors discuss the photo of a 3-month-old baby covered in bleeding blisters after his mother kissed and infected him with the herpes virus! Doctors initially thought it was a pediatric skin condition but later tests confirmed it was Herpes Simplex HSV1, the type associated with cold sores. Luckily, with antiviral medication, this baby did get better.
Dermatologist Dr. Sonia Batra shares how common this condition is – the World Health Organization says that two-thirds of adults have been exposed to HSV1. She explains it is very contagious through saliva. If you are prone to cold sores or have an active one, she recommends being extremely careful around a baby. Babies' immune systems can’t fight off viruses the way adults' can.
Watch: How Contagious is Herpes?
OB/GYN Dr. Nita Landry advises always washing your hands before touching a baby and as a parent, don’t be afraid to tell people not to kiss your baby!
