Scientists explain why kissing newborns on the cheek can put them in great danger

When a baby is born, it’s common for family and friends to want to meet him right away. However, even if it is best to keep a safe distance, there are some people who cannot resist and take the newborn in their arms, even daring to kiss him. This common practice can be dangerous. In addition to all the bacteria that can be found in the mouth, which are easily transmitted, kissing a baby’s face can be fatal.

O awesome.club wants to share with you valuable information to alert all parents who have a newborn or are about to have a baby about the danger of allowing their babies to be kissed.

In August 2018, Lucy Kendall and Jaz Miller lived through one of the worst situations parents can experience: taking their 11-day-old baby to the emergency room. He had a fever and stopped eating. After eight days of struggling for life and constant observation in the Intensive Care Unit, the doctor finally said that the baby had contracted neonatal herpes. He explained that this virus can be transmitted to a newborn baby if a person has a mouth sore and kisses or touches it after coming into contact with the sore. Lucy and Jaz weren’t sick, so it could have been anyone who visited the newborn. Fortunately, he survived.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1) is what causes cold sores. It is extremely contagious, because anyone can contract it by kissing (or directly or indirectly touching) a person who has the virus. It can also be spread by sharing kitchen utensils, towels, or other objects with someone who is infected. Although the consequences of the virus are easily visible, there is a risk of going unnoticed in the first few days of infection, even when there is no wound.

However, neonatal herpes can also be acquired during childbirth, when the baby comes in contact with infected genital secretions. Although this is a rare condition, it does happen if the mother has been exposed to the virus recently (in the third trimester of pregnancy).

Newborns are extremely vulnerable to all types of viruses, especially herpes. The disease can appear on the skin, eyes, and mouth, and affect the central nervous system or manifest as a disseminated infection in multiple organs. According to data from Boston Children’s Hospital, some babies who survive such infections have neurological sequelae, and for those who are not treated in time, it can be fatal.

Boston Children’s Hospital says infected newborns can have localized or disseminated disease. Rashes are a frequent symptom in 70% of cases, while newborns without wounds usually have the disease located internally. If babies are not treated properly, the disease usually progresses within 7 to 10 days to more severe forms. Parents should pay attention to the following symptoms:

Irritability in the baby. Eruptions on any part of the body. Difficulty breathing. grumbles. Bluish appearance. Fast breathing. Yellow discoloration of the skin. bleeding.

Sometimes, just seeing the symptoms is enough for the doctor to determine the correct treatment, but parents should know that the baby will undergo the following tests:

Viral culture of the lesion. Direct fluorescent antibody test of cells extracted from a lesion. Urine analysis. Blood test.

In some cases, the infection can occur during pregnancy, so it is important for the mother to see a doctor regularly during pregnancy.

Absolutely yes. Parents with a newborn should take appropriate preventative measures, some of which are targeted at visitors coming home to meet the baby. Examples of these are:

Do not visit the baby during the first 24 hours after birth. No kissing or hugging the baby. Do not take small children to visits. Do not touch the baby without having previously washed your hands. Wear face masks in case of illness, although in this case it is best to avoid visiting.

The first few months of a baby’s life are critical in the development of their immune system; therefore, it is recommended to avoid exposure to dangerous contagious agents. This includes keeping them away from excessive and unnecessary displays of “love”.

The best thing for a newborn is the exclusive care of its parents. Do you think the suggested security measures are adequate? What others would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments section and share this post with all the first-time parents you know.