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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
can an adult transmit cold sores to a baby with no lesion present????
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
can an adult transmit cold sores to a baby with no lesion present????
by Jordana, Jul 19, 2005 12:00AM
I have a 12 month old baby who was recently (I think) potentially exposed to the HSV-1 virus.
A relative with a known history of cold sores fed her from her own fork not once, but twice after eating off of it herself. I, unfortunately, was not quick enough to intervene.
She did not have an active lesion on that day, but is our baby still at risk of catching it because of viral shedding?????
Is this significant enough to call her doctor about??
She is still breastfeeding 4-5 times per day.
Please, please help with any info., if possible. I am worried sick.
Thank you.
A relative with a known history of cold sores fed her from her own fork not once, but twice after eating off of it herself. I, unfortunately, was not quick enough to intervene.
She did not have an active lesion on that day, but is our baby still at risk of catching it because of viral shedding?????
Is this significant enough to call her doctor about??
She is still breastfeeding 4-5 times per day.
Please, please help with any info., if possible. I am worried sick.
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jul 19, 2005 12:00AM
, Jul 19, 2005 12:00AM
No, not really. Transmission from forks and other objects can theoretically happen, but is very rare. If there's no active lesion, the chances are about zero, I would think. Unless you see a change in the baby's skin, I see no need for you to call her doctor.
Since millions of people have a history of cold sores, and many of them are your relatives, I think you should not be that fearful about this, if the people involved don't have an active cold sore that you can see.
Enjoy your baby.
Dr. Rockoff
Since millions of people have a history of cold sores, and many of them are your relatives, I think you should not be that fearful about this, if the people involved don't have an active cold sore that you can see.
Enjoy your baby.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (3)
by dylan@32, Jul 20, 2005 12:00AM
Thanks Doc! I feel so much better!!
by dylan@32, Jul 20, 2005 12:00AM
This is the same person that asked the original question (Jordana 32), I have two sign in names for some reason. Thanks
