Fatal dangers of cold sores to newborns
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Topic: Fatal dangers of cold sores to newborns
Posted By: ?Lolly?
Subject: Fatal dangers of cold sores to newborns
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 5:19am
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Have also posted this in the http://www.ohbaby.co.nz/Forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=30985&PN=1&TPN=1 - Second baby and more forum
I have just been up with one of my girls and came across this group on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=20099106759 - Warning pregnant mothers about the fatal dangers of cold sores to newborns and it's been bugging me every since. I had never heard of this condition before. I just felt a strong urge to come post on here 'just in case'. What happened to Charlotte's precious little girl is heart wrenching and I would hate for that to happen to another baby. . This is her story *Warning tear jerker* Our baby daughter Mira died on 28th November 2007 from herpes simplex virus 1 - the common cold sore virus. She was just 10 days old. It is so so rare here in the UK - only 6 babies a year die from this and it is so easily preventable. I had never had a cold sore before Mira was born, but shortly after her birth I was so exhausted and run down with a throat infection that I developed a tiny cold sore on my bottom lip when she was 3 days old. It disappeared almost overnight and I didn't think anything more of it. Mira was a beautiful, perfect, healthy baby - but when she was 8 days old she became a bit restless and difficult to feed. We took her to the GP twice, and she was also seen by a midwife and an on-call doctor in the two days before she died. Her symptoms were so non-descript that nobody knew what was making her so poorly. She had a low temperature, her eye was a bit sticky, and she wasn't interested in feeding. She was just so peaceful and sleepy all the time. She had no marks, blemishes or lesions on her, definitely nothing that would have made anyone think that she was being attacked by the cold sore virus - it was just quietly working its way through her little body with no outwardly noticeable signs. She took a turn for the worse in the evening of 27th November, and we rushed her to hospital, where she stopped breathing. The doctors tried to save her, but by then the virus had overwhelmed her tiny body and they had no idea what had made her so ill. She grew her angel wings at 4.20am on November 28th, 2007 - just 10 short days after she'd made such a long-awaited entrance into the world. The post mortem results came back as herpes simplex virus 1 - the cold sore virus. Up to 85 per cent of adults have this virus, and it's harmless in adults. As it was my first ever cold sore, I had no antibodies to pass on to Mira, so her tiny body was unprotected. It was just incredibly bad luck that my first ever infection coincided with the birth, and I unknowingly transmitted the virus to Mira in the first few days of her life. I read so much when I was pregnant, but had never seen anything at all about the dangers of this type of simple condition. This is why we want to raise awareness and increase public knowledge. It's too late for Mira, but I just want nobody else to go through the devastation that we went through at losing our beautiful 10 day old daughter, and the pain that we'll carry around in our shattered hearts forever. Please, just help us by passing this information on to anyone you know who it may help - pregnant women, family members of newborn babies, health professionals (we were surprised at how little was known about this even by some of the top medical experts we have been in contact with since losing Mira). 
Sorry for the depressing post, I just really felt like I needed to pass this message along. Em  ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!) 
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Replies:
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 6:59am
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Oh that is heartbreaking. I've never had a cold sore, if I ever do get one I will be super careful round newborns. ------------- 
 
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Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 7:19am
So sad  . My thesis was on HSV, and I would say this is an extremely rare case - HSV-2 (the 'other' herpes) has a higher rate of causing disease/death in newborns, and usually in those cases the mother/baby at risk is delivered by C-section to avoid transmission.
So heartbreaking though, you can only imagine how devastating it must be.  -------------  
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 8:27am
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omg that is so sad ...
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Posted By: surfergirl
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 8:54am
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So, so sad. Interestingly my m/w warned me of this - even tho DH and I have never had cold sores. ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: Tastic
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 9:05am
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that is so sad
just wondering what happens if the mother gets a cold sore while pregnant? Ive had a couple now. and Im scared
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 9:23am
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I get cold sores and they are highly contagious the virus gets passed on by contact - ie: usually from someone kissing you.
My Dad gets them too which is probably where I picked them up as its pretty common for parents to pass them onto their children. I wouldn't think it was a problem when pregnant, its only after delivery. Once you've had a cold sore you have the virus in your system for life. I was made aware to avoid any sort of contact with my mouth when I have an outbreak of cold sores. I think I learnt it as part of my emergency care training as its something that's very easy to catch. Such a sad sad story
Its easy to forget that what seems like a minor ailments to adults can be devastating in babies. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 9:44am
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Exactly, and only by raising awareness can it be prevented. I know its rare but after reading several stories (some babies died of it where they caught it from people other from there parents) it's wort keeping in mind. We are told not to eat peanuts during pregnancy and breast feeding for similar reasons, I think people should be warned as a matter of course. ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!)
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Posted By: Richie
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 10:49am
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omg that is so sad. And very worrying as well as I'm really prone to coldsores. I've had about 6 of them so far during pregnancy. I just have to get the slightest bit run down and *boom* out comes another cold sore. So how do I make sure I don't pass the virus to my wee girl once she arrives if I'm to get another coldsore? I now it is normally transferred by mouth to mouth contact ie kissing so I never kiss my DF ifI have one,and also make sure I wash glasses after having a drink to ensure DF doesn't accidentally use one of my glasses. Do I just have to make sure I don't kiss her or is it something that can be passed on via breastfeeding?
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 11:10am
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I use zovirax to clear them up works pretty fast. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Richie
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 11:14am
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I think my body has become immune to Zovirax. Itused to work but not anymore. I've started using those Compede Coldsore Patches. They are legendary. They heal them up really fast -------------
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Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 11:15am
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I have read there is a 5 to 8% chance of passing your mouth cold sore on to your baby if you get them. I would say take the same precaution you do with your DF only ten fold just to be on the safe side! Talk with you GP or MW would be the best idea. It says if you have genital herpes a C/S should be scheduled to prevent it being passed on the the baby. I found this http://ezinearticles.com/?Cold-Sores-Contagious?-Yes,-and-Especially-Dangerous-to-Newborns-and-Very-Young-Children&id=2226704 - link online. ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!)
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Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 12:10pm
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re the cold sore ..dont they get immunity if you have them when pregnant?
zovirax is a no no during pregnancy too? ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 12:10pm
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:( it is a super sad story :( ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: Babykatnz
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 12:18pm
Thats what I thought too... or even in the colostrum in those first few days at least. I think in her case its because she didnt have the antibodies herself, so had none to pass on, whereas someone who HAS had it before, has the antibodies, and they will go through to bubs who has a better chance at fighting it... Thats just heartbreaking to read, whats worse is its been over 2 years since then and its still so little known! ------------- Brandon - 05/12/2003  
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Four_eyes wrote:Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 1:59pm
I had a couple of cold sores in the later weeks of my second pregnancy, and my mw actually recommended Zovirax - it was the chemist on duty who wouldn't sell it to me! 
For anyone wanting a bit more information on whether it is OK to use Zovirax when pregnant or breastfeeding you can go here: http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/z/zoviraxcoldsore.htm ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Jelly
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 2:52pm
Eep! I almost wish I'd had a coldsore before now 
But it is treatable if you know what to treat for, right? ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 3:25pm
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If caught early enough I think so. ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!)
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Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 4:02pm
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If the baby had no antibodies against HSV, and the infection was severe enough, I imagine even aniviral medication wouldn't be enough. Often the newborn is left with severe brain damage also (as HSV can cause encephalitis).
That sounds awfully negative, but one thing to know is that 85% of us will have the HSV-1 virus in our bodies, even if we haven't ever had a coldsore. The majority of infections are silent/sub-clinical, so we can be infected without ever knowing it, and also therefore pass on antibodies against the virus, which is a good thing! -------------
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Posted By: palomino
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 4:11pm
| bring on the herpes lol |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 9:09pm
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Thanks for passing this on Emiloly! -------------   
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Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 16 January 2010 at 10:15pm
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No problem. It's still making me tear up tho. ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!)
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Posted By: EmDee
Date Posted: 17 January 2010 at 9:46am
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Wow,I'd never heard of this before, thank you for posting this!
------------- DS 8 DD 6 DS 4 DD 2 |
Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 17 January 2010 at 11:02am
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This story really effected me. I don't get cold sores but my sister does, and without getting tested for the virus I have no idea if I had antibodies. It kept me up with wondering how well know this was so I had to post it. ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!)
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Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 17 January 2010 at 11:08am
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Thats soo sad.
Just FYI for those pf you who do suffer FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Herpes virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during your pregnancy so that you do not have a genital lesion when your baby is born. Zovirax passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. More info specifically can be found her for breastfeeding etc http://www.drugs.com/pregnancy/acyclovir.html After a few years in pharmacy It is my understanding that the medicine for genital herpes is more concern than the cream you apply to your lips, but as with all meds during pregnancy have a chat with your doctor first. I think the important thing to remember is the pros vs the cons of using a drug during pregnancy and your doc will weight these up before prescribing. ------------- http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
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Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 17 January 2010 at 4:23pm
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Wow thanks for posting this! But so sad at the same time. I tend to get coldsore a lot *sigh* run down or not. Had a few whilst pregnant but might as mw bout it at next appointment... ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: RBsMama
Date Posted: 17 January 2010 at 9:26pm
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This is so sad I didn't know it was possible for babies to die from a cold sore. I had a few while I was pregnant and my chemist wouldn't sell me any coldsore medication either, so I used white toothpaste, and that dried them up, quite well. My DH hasn't had one yet and I did have one while I was BFing.
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Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 17 January 2010 at 9:36pm
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I think if you have regular cold sores you already have antibodies that you will pass to bubs?? Not 100% sure how that works. ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!)
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 17 January 2010 at 9:43pm
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That is a sad story, but:
everybody who's now worried about their babies getting sick because they often get cold sores - please don't be! If you have the virus already (as 85% of us do, like blondy pointed out) then you will have antibodies. Those antibodies will be passed on to bubs (not sure if that's prenatally or through colostrum etc - so if you aren't planning to breastfeed then it might be something to look into) so they should be immune. I've never had a cold sore but have been exposed numerous times (the rest of my family have all had it) so figure I have the antibodies anyway  ------------- 
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: JodyR
Date Posted: 17 January 2010 at 11:23pm
Given the subject being discussed, a baby dying, that's a little bit insensitive in the way it comes across. I know that Charlotte is aware of these discussions and is very hurt, having been accused of being a hoaxer and seeing people joking about herpes. She's pleased that the person here has passed on her story as she wants to raise awareness but she is a real person behind the story and still grieving for her beautiful daughter. And Charlotte, if you come back and read this, sorry for butting in but I can't see you hurt without speaking out about it. ((((hugs)))) |
Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 8:36am
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I honestly don't think anyone on here intended anything remotely hurtful - it is such a horrific thing to have happened
I hope she didn't think anyone here accused her of being a hoaxer? Our OB community is generally very supportive, and I believe many of us have been genuinely upset and saddened by her situation. I think any discussion like this where we don't personally know the people involved may unfortunately come across as being insensitive. I hope things start getting easier for her soon.  -------------
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Posted By: lisa85
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 9:04am
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I agree Blondy.
JodyR this is defiantly one of the more friendly and sensitive baby sites out there. Most of us have been chatting here for a long time and know that none of the comments here were made to offend. I can understand if you personally know the poor woman that lost her child why you would be sensitive to any comments made about her situation but I think if you spent some time on this site getting to know the woman that are chatting you would understand that we are all just people chatting about something extremely scary. Please don't take offense I think it is extremely unfair and tragic what has happened. I also think it is very brave and noble thing that this courageous woman is spreading her story so that others are more aware. -------------  
TTC #3 since Jan 2010 - PCOS MC April 2010 |
Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 9:13am
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Just to point out quickly that there is a link to this thread on the FB page. -------------  
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Posted By: Aprilfools
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 9:52am
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This is very very sad.
I don't know enough about coldsores to be giving any 'medical' type opinions but thought I would also say that a friends baby wasn in hospital last year with viral meningitis and she was told that it was possible it could have been from someone with a coldsore kissing him. JodyR no one was accused of being a hoax or a fake, the question was simply asked which that person had a right to do. You can't tell people off for being wary on the internet given the weirdos out there; as you have said this is an open forum. As for providing evidence if you think someone is a fake (referring to post in first baby section also), it's just as important if you are trying to get your story out. I really am truly sorry for this family but you can't put an international ban on humour or sit there monitoring all forums in case someone makes a joke. As previously mentioned yes this is an open forum but it's also an online community and if you had bothered to get a feel for this site and the people on it before telling people off you would see that no harm was meant and it was people that 'know' each other having a conversation. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: lisa85
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 10:01am
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I think you said it perfectly Aprilfools -------------
TTC #3 since Jan 2010 - PCOS MC April 2010 |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 10:20am
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Well said Aprilfools! -------------
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Posted By: WRXnKids
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 10:24am
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Totally agree with Aprilfools!
You cant come onto a thread and tell off a bunch of people who all know each other for discussing something in their own ways something your friend wants awareness raised for which is what we are doing. -------------   
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Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 10:37am
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I have actually emailed Charlotte and told her that our online community is very close and that no offence was intended by any comments made. I linked to this thread on her group as I felt she had a right to know I had posted her story.
I know your all good people and I loves you all ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!)
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Posted By: IVFGirl1111
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 11:22am
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It is a very sad story.
As a coldsore sufferer for years (I got my first coldsore when I was 6 months old)! - Doctors over the years have said that you are either born with the virus or not. You ALWAYS have the virus even if you cant physically see a coldsore. I get them if Im run down, get bumped in the mouth, salt n vineger chips! Anything! They are awful things! I can never give one to DH though - as he doesnt carry the virus. He can share anything of mine and not get one - yet if I use anything of his - I'll get one straight away! So pretty much if you havent had one by now your probably one of the lucky ones that dont carry the virus! Ps/ Whoever said they body is immune to Zoverax - mine is to and it sux! Zoverax is awesome stuff, I like the new commend patches - but no way does it beat zoverax. ------------- TTC 6 years IVF it is IVF/ICSI round one 10 eggs, 8 mature, 3 fertilised BFN IVF/ICSI #2 = 22 eggs! 20 mature, 15 fertilised, 1 fresh transfer and 2 frosties BFN 2 Frosties still in freezer thank god |
Posted By: JodyR
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 11:31am
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Thanks everyone for your replies to me, I know I am a stranger to your group and such it must feel a bit startling for you all to have me suddenly appear and tell you my friend is upset by two of the people who have commented in these posts.
Blondy I thank you for your comments to me, it was suggested on the other thread that Charlotte may be a hoaxer and she was very upset to read that, as were her friends because we know that sadly she is very genuine. Lisa85 thank you also, I know things come across very differently when you know the person who is saying them and also the same thing when written down can be read differently by the people who read it. As an established group I can see how you already know each other and judge how a comment was intended. Aprilfools yes people do have a right to question what they believe on the internet and I do advise caution but it was suggested Charlotte was a hoaxer and sadly she isn't and she was hurt to see that written on here. Charlotte and myself are both members of a bereavement site where caution is advised and any concerns can be quietly reported to admin, which saves upsetting genuine people while also weeding out any fakes. But the person who questioned Charlotte's validity also stated that her baby could have died from anything, casting doubt on the post mortem evidence when she had no reason to do so. Charlotte is raising awareness and I am certain she would have answered any questions raised to her by anyone who had doubts about the facts of her story. I'm also not trying to put a ban on humour but there is no humour whatsoever in the death of a baby and saying "bring on the herpes lol" is not actually funny when you are entering a discussion about a baby who has died because of the virus. I am sure that no harm was intended but harm was caused. WRXandJosh I haven't come on this site and told a bunch of people off, I've told two people that their comments have caused hurt to a woman who is kind and genuine and trying to help others even though she is grieving. Charlotte has welcomed the discussion and is pleased that most people are taking this so seriously but it has hurt her to see two seperate people cast doubts and make a joke. The majority of people who have commented on this site have been wonderful in their understanding and have taken on board how tragic Charlotte's loss is and how serious a simple cold sore can be. |
Posted By: lisa85
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 11:38am
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I would actually like to apologize JodyR I didn't realize one of our members posted a link to the face book site, and that's what brought you here. I wrongly assumed that you were simply searching the net and telling people off for making comments.
I agree with aprilfools that you can't control what people say on the net but obviously you were directed here by one of our members who meant well and you were standing up for your friend who has been through so much already :( Anyway I just wanted to apologize again for jumping the gun and assuming the worst. -------------
TTC #3 since Jan 2010 - PCOS MC April 2010 |
Posted By: palomino
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 11:49am
| So you would rather us not get coldsores so our babies die too. thanks |
Posted By: JodyR
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 12:27pm
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Lisa85 - thanks. No I wish I had the time to spend on the net all day but with a nine month old it's a few minutes when he's sleeping. Even if I did have time, I wouldn't give myself an impossible task like that but this situation was kind of thrust back at Charlotte and those of her friends who support her group. It's really kind of you to apologise and I'd like to return it by saying we didn't mean to jump in and attack but knowing Charlotte personally makes it hard to explain how genuine she is and how hurt she has been without it getting personal if that makes sense.
HuntD - no I just think that this is not a funny situation and that your comment was not appropriate to it, neither is this most recent one because clearly that is not what I was saying. Again, I don't want to turn these threads into an argument that takes away from the real situation, a baby has died and a grieving mother is trying to raise awareness and the seriousness of that issue just doesn't go with off the cuff 'jokes' that have been linked back to her and hurt her feelings. |
Posted By: Aprilfools
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 12:28pm
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I personally actually think it is better for someone to come on and ask the question and be given proof than to read something like this assume it's a hoax and not pass the message on. My opinion though.
Can I also point out I'm not annoyed at anyone for vouching for their friend just the way some of it was directed. We don't know who is genuine and who is not until we have some proof so to speak. Just because you are genuine doesn't mean people will automatically know. I'm a bit peeved actually that this didn't make news here when that stuff about bonjela did. Anyone remember what I'm talking about? Will have to find the thread about it but there was a possibility that it could cause a disease but never had. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 1:20pm
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Again, I don't want to turn these threads into an argument that takes away from the real situation, a baby has died and a grieving mother is trying to raise awareness and the seriousness of that issue just doesn't go with off the cuff 'jokes' that have been linked back to her and hurt her feelings.
[/QUOTE] agreed , can we move on from this bit, Whether or not insensitive comments where intended, I think its really sad that a baby has died and if this prevents even one baby or family from suffering the same fate its a good thing. Its clearly not a hoax so lets just give support where we can ------------- http://lilypie.com]
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Posted By: tejmummy
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 1:28pm
What a very mature response!!!! I would never wish a baby dying on anyone, as the Mother of a fullterm still born, i know the heartbreak this devastation brings but that response was so selfish. A member brought the HSV to your attention and all you have to write are selfish and quite rude comments!! My Mother once said if you have nothing nice to say then say nothing. My advice to you, not that you will take it is to keep your comments to yourself and maybe use a little something called tact next time you write a comment about a sensitive topic. Google the Why17 project that SANDS has been promoting and maybe you will see how many babies die a day and why us Angel Mums do our bit to keep our Angels and other Angels memories preserved and raise awareness. Victoria~ Mummy to Taylor Deakin born sleeping July 2007. |
Posted By: MummyFreckle
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 1:58pm
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tejmummy - I am sorry for your loss. But I am interested as to why you felt the need to step into this arguement, clearly you are not a regular member of this community and as you have said yourself "if you dont have anything nice to say..." In this forum we are VERY VERY supportive of our angel mummies, and none of us would ever try to minimise the pain related to the loss of a child. We live in a technological age where if you partake in the internet world, be it on FB, Twitter, a forum - or whatever - then you are opening yourself (or at least your words) to all those who can read. Their opinions may differ from yours, their views may differ from yours, their humour may differ from yours, their agenda may differ from yours....but you cannot CONTROL any of these things. If you dont like the thought of someone having a differing point of view / opinion then DONT post in the first place. We are never all going to think the same way and wouldnt it be a boring world if we did. |
Posted By: LJsmum
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 1:59pm
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very sad story, didn't know that this could happen.
it needs to be in the bounty book or thriving under 5 book that plunket hands out after birth or MW's should tell us or in antnatal classes. Everybody should know the dangers of the virus. I kept DS2 home for the first 5 weeks as i didn't want him exposed to anything nasty, whereas all along he could have caught this from family friends e.t.c. i have never had a cold sore, when does it not affect babies after they are 3 months old??? or are they at risk longer???? does anyone know? -------------  
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Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 2:12pm
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I think the "issue" - indeed if there is one - is that we as a forum have been "taken in" before, by a Mum pretending to have had stillborn twins, and by another "mum of twins" and both had "friends" comign on who "knew them" and backe dup their back stories etc so we tend to be wary of newbies a wee bit, - especially with a sad story and no introduction.
I am in NO WAY accusing you of doing this AT ALL, I have just seen something on the xtra news site (or something similar I am sure) about this I'm not doubting the story, just saying why there is a little bit of hesitancy within this online community... ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 2:13pm
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At first I felt kinda guilty for sort of feeling responsipble for starting an argument. But then I stopped second guessing myself (I'm good at that, I always have to question everything I do) and remembered why I posted Charlotte's story in the first place. This might be rare but it happens. And I couldn't sleep after reading it, worrying that it might happen again, and that I could perhaps do my part in raising awareness.
I'd really like to ask people to take a deep breath, relax and remember we are all Mothers. And even though not all of us can truly understand what it must be like to loose a child, I certainly have to deal with a sh*t load of anxiety about the world in genera and all the 'bad things' that could/might happen to my babies on a daily basis. I only reposted to raise awareness, and let a grieving Mother know that her little girl's short life was not in vain. I really truly feel bad, I feel bad for Charlotte, I feel bad for her friends, and for you guys too. And I hate that feeling. So please be friends and drop all the negativity. ... Please Misunderstandings are so easy to happen in written context. I remember reading that you miss like 60 or 70% (at a guess) because that's how much comes from body language etc. Milo1, I am not entirely sure, someone posted on here had done some research because she had done her thesis on it. I think that by 6 months baby has developed a strong enough immunity to cope?? Not sure, sorry. I will have to google. I think the best thing we can do to protect our babies is to educate our family and friends. Make sure that if they suffer form cold sores, they keep them to themselves. No kissing baby etc. ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!)
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Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 2:23pm
Yup, spent 5-6 years of my life studying herpes simplex for my doctorate!  The danger in newborns comes from their immature immune systems - and in this case the fact that the poor baby had no antibodies passed along from her mother. http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/herpes/newborns/fact_sheet.htm - Here is one link about HSV in newborns. I think that the risk of severe illness decreases as the baby's immune system develops to cope with the infection. I don't believe there is ever a 'safe' cutoff point, simply that as your baby's immune system matures, the risk decreases. Very young newborns would have a hard time dealing with it.
HSV-1 can be passed to the baby without any symptoms being shown in either mother/father/close family member and the baby - in fact the majority of HSV transmissions occur silently/sub-clinically. HSV-1 (coldsores) generally tends to be much less virulent and dangerous than HSV-2 (genital herpes), which is another reason why such care is taken for mothers with HSV-2 when they are giving birth, but the same is not done for HSV-1. Obviously if you have an actual coldsore, it would be advised not to kiss the baby etc until it has healed, but be aware that even between coldsores, the virus is still being shed from your body albeit at a low level. The good thing (once again) about already having coldsores is that you will pass along antibodies to the baby via placenta and possible breastmilk. -------------
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Posted By: lisa85
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 2:26pm
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I suffer from coldsores and when the girls were newborn I got them a lot from the stress of newborn twins and being so run down. I was always very paranoid about passing them onto the girls but I never had any idea what damage the virus could actually do. It's so scary when you actually sit down and think about all the little things that seem so innocent but in fact can be potentially life threatening to a new born
Ems don't feel bad babe you can't control other peoples comments or reactions. Although there has been some negative comments on the whole you've helped to pass on a very valuable message. That's really what this forum is about. Sharing valuable information and advice about our kids. -------------
TTC #3 since Jan 2010 - PCOS MC April 2010 |
Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 2:33pm
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Thanks for the info Blondy :) Much more eloquently put. I only have a very basic grasp on it though Dr Google.
Thanks Lisa, I'm have been feeling a wee bit sensitive just recently. Everything's been setting me off. ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!)
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Posted By: lisa85
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 2:41pm
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Your not preggers again already are you Ems lol
Nah I was the same for months after giving birth. I cried over the most random things :) -------------
TTC #3 since Jan 2010 - PCOS MC April 2010 |
Posted By: ?Lolly?
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 2:42pm
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hahahha NO better bloody not be! Latest irrational worry - the iud not working! I think it's the PTSD rearing its ugly head. ------------- Captain Chaos (5) & the Trouble Monsters (2!)
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Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 18 January 2010 at 2:45pm
just signing out of response notificaions - cant seem to do it from my email  ------------- http://lilypie.com]
http://lilypie.com]
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