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Can Cold Sores Be Transmitted Through Kissing?

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Posted on Wed, 5 Aug 2015
Question: Hi , im really worried my little girl has just turned 15 months old. We was at a friends house and she adores my little girl but i do hate anyone kissing her. But as i came back from the toilet i seen my friend kissing my little girl then shortly afterwards noticed my friend has a coldsore. Im really worried my little girl will catch it, the main worry is that its going to harm her as iv read the herpes virus is dangerous for babys, could you please tell me if im correct and what are the chances of her contracting the virus.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Very very slim!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this encounter and all the disturbing thoughts this has caused you. I understand your worries. Cold sores are not transmitted by brief kisses. It is my understanding that your friend might have just kissed the baby as parents and elders do and not in an intimate manner like couples do. Kissing needs to be intimate to to increase chances of your baby getting herpes. Casual encounters like these rarely lead to disease transmission.

I will say, there is a very slim chance and more unlikely than likely for your baby to catch any infection. Just be observant and report any abnormal sores if you see any. Please, don't be mad at your friend. I am sure she was doing it out of love and with no ill intentions.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (23 minutes later)
Thanks for your reply, no it wasnt intimate it was a few quick kisses but im worried as it was a few times and i did notice her lips touch my babies lips this is why im so scared of my baby catching the virus. Also my baby is 15 months old just and iv read alot of horror stories of newborn babys catching the herpes virus, if she was to catch it would it be dangerous?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not always dangerou!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Herpes can cause serious complication but a majority of people never develop complications. Your girl will be fine and I hope you get to put these terrible feelings behind you. If it were that easy to transmit herpes, believe me we would have all contracted it at some point.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Keep me posted and stay calm.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (45 hours later)
Iv just heard of babys being kissed by someone with the herpes virus and it resulting in tragedy. My baby is 15 months old is it still as dangerous for her if she was to catch it as it would be a newborn baby?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Infectious are more sever in babies but are are those infections!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You are holding so much to what happened. The real problem now is how to get it off your head and not the fact that your baby will get sick. Please, relax and do not let yourself be scared to death by the numerous stories online. They are probably the extremes you may ever think of.

Infections are generally more severe in babies and not just herpes. However, chances that your baby could get this infection are very rare. I am not sure this lady had herpes because not all cold sores are herpes infections.

I wish you well.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (56 minutes later)
Iam a bad worrier and internet information does not help. Thank you for your time and answers theyv put my mind at rest.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (46 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Keep me posted.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The internet scares than help. It is a place where you can write any stuff. Always take what you read online with some reservations.

Keep me posted. I wish you well.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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Can Cold Sores Be Transmitted Through Kissing?

Brief Answer: Very very slim! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this encounter and all the disturbing thoughts this has caused you. I understand your worries. Cold sores are not transmitted by brief kisses. It is my understanding that your friend might have just kissed the baby as parents and elders do and not in an intimate manner like couples do. Kissing needs to be intimate to to increase chances of your baby getting herpes. Casual encounters like these rarely lead to disease transmission. I will say, there is a very slim chance and more unlikely than likely for your baby to catch any infection. Just be observant and report any abnormal sores if you see any. Please, don't be mad at your friend. I am sure she was doing it out of love and with no ill intentions. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.