Baby with Blisters |
A mother
has warned parents not to let anyone kiss their newborn on the mouth
after her baby daughter was hospitalized with potentially fatal cold
sores.
Doncaster-based
Claire Henderson's little girl Brooke had to spend five days in
hospital with horrific blisters that could have caused liver and brain
damage.
Ms Henderson, who is engaged to partner Steven Perkins, has since sent a heartfelt message on social media to inform other mothers of the dangers.
Worried
Claire took to social media and wrote: 'Please share this with every new
mum and pregnant woman you know... COLD SORES CAN BE FATAL FOR A BABY.
'Before 3 months old a baby cannot fight the herpes virus. If a baby contracts this it can cause liver and brain damage and lead to death.
She
added: 'I know this sounds like I am scaremongering but if my friend had
not told me about this my baby girl could have been very seriously
ill.'
The post has so far been shared more than 35,000 times.
Fortunately for Claire she noticed the signs early and rushed her daughter straight to A&E.
Baby Brooke had to spend three days on a drip and two further days under observation.
Claire
added: 'She was VERY lucky, all her tests came back clear.
The moral of
the story is DO NOT let anyone kiss your newborns mouth, even if they
don't look like they have a cold sore.'
Over 85 per cent of the population carry the herpes virus.
Claire said many of her friends had 'not heard of this before' and she feels it important to raise awareness.
One
of Claire's followers commented: 'Well said Claire people do need to be
aware of this as I didn't know this could happen to babies.
'Just so glad you was on the ball & went with your instincts and got our Brooke to hospital straight away.'
While
another added: 'So pleased she is recovering well. We'll done for
spotting the signs for something that could have had a very different
outcome. She's a little fighter bless her,'
NHS Choices state cold sores are 'small blisters that develop on the lips or around the mouth'.
They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and 'usually clear up without treatment within seven to 10 days'.
They
often start with a tingling, itching or burning sensation around your
mouth. Small fluid-filled sores will then appear, most commonly on the
edges of your lower lip.
While
a mild condition in adults, they can cause liver and brain damage in
children under six weeks old and even lead to death.
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