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Mother Warns About Dangers of Exposing Newborn to Human Contact

  • July 20, 2017

It’s quite common for people to want to kiss newborn babies when they see them, but a young couple’s story featured on Fox 12 Oregon warns that a simple kiss not only can be dangerous, but possibly lethal. The couple’s baby is struggling for life after contacting meningitis HSV-1, a herpes virus caused by the same virus that causes cold sores. Since the parents both tested negative for it, they believe their baby contracted it from someone who visited.

It’s true that cold sores are very contagious and can be transferred from one person to another via close contact. These sores are most noticeable on the lips, but they can appear on the cheeks, nose or the eyes (although rarely). They start with a fluid-filled blister that forms a cluster that then ruptures and turns into the actual sore, which will scab over as it heals.

While some people may think that cold sores and canker sores are the same thing, there are big differences between the two. For one, canker sores are found inside the mouth, and are not caused by the herpes virus. More importantly, canker sores aren’t contagious.

If you’re looking for natural and herbal treatments for cold sores, there are several options to help alleviate the pain and help with healing. For example, echinacea contains antiviral and antioxidant properties, and effectively treats slow-healing wounds.

Propolis is a bee-derived resin that's high in antioxidants. It can assist in fighting infections and enhancing immune system function. Different studies have highlighted its efficiency in preventing the reproduction of the HSV-1 and the HSV-2 viruses, treating lesions or sores faster than other ointments, and lessening the time and pain cold sores stay on patients. However, if you have asthma or are allergic to bee products, do not use this.