Cold sore and newborn-help!

[Kris888]

I am susceptible to cold sores and have had them at least once a year for many years. I had them several times during pregnancy and had an attack after the birth of my daughter. I didn't know how dangerous they are for newborns until recently, although I had taken care to not kiss my daughter on the lips or near her eyes since I didn't want her to contract them from me. However, my daughter is almost five weeks old, and I am still scared that I may have put her at risk if she touched my mouth without me noticing. Last night, for example, she reached up and hit my mouth (I had a small cold sore there that had mostly scabbed over) and then put her hand near her eye before I could stop her. I am totally panicking. So far, she seems perfectly healthy and happy though, and I have not noticed anything unusual physically. 1. It is my understanding that my antibodies to HSV1 crossed the placenta, and so she should have passive immunity to cold sores anyway...does this mean she is unlikely to catch it from me and I can stop panicking? 2. If she does catch it, would the antibodies she received from me help protect her, resulting in a more mild form of HSV1? 3. I have read that HSV is most dangerous for babies under 28 days, especially those who contracted it through birth...my daughter is almost 5 weeks old now, so a bit past that threshold. Does this mean her immune system would be better able to handle this if she caught it now?

ETA: I also exclusively breastfeed, if that makes a difference.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You're welcome.

Terri

[Kris888]

Thank you so much for all of your help!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Yes, you can relax.  The incident was very low risk in the first place.  Also, it was two weeks before that and if she was going to get sick from herpes, it would have happened by now.

Terri

[Kris888]

Actually, one more question for you that I sort of alluded to but didn't ask outright...sorry to dwell on this so much ;-) I am concerned about one incident that occurred about 2 weeks ago before I knew how serious cold sore exposure could be and before I knew I was developing a sore....I kissed my daughter on the cheek and she turned her head, so it is possible that I got the corner or her mouth (though I am not positive I did). I know the situation was not ideal, but can I relax a little knowing my antibodies would protect her and knowing that she is not showing any signs of illness? Thanks again!

[Kris888]

Thank you so much :-) I keep thinking of the worst case scenario (like, she picked it up before I realized I was getting a cold sore and knew to be careful, that kind of thing...although I am pretty certain she would be showing signs by now). It is extremely reassuring that she should be protected...but if she somehow does pick it up from me, the fact she is no longer a "new newborn" means she is much better off. I appreciate the kind words and will try to stop panicking about this!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I know you are scared and I understand why.  
However, you are correct that your baby received antibody from you during the later part of your pregnancy and that help protect her against new infection.  The situation that you describe presents near zero risk to your baby girl.  It is also good to know that the cold sore was on the healing end of things.  

The risk to newborns from cold sores is usually the following:
an adult or another child with a cold sore kisses a newborn whose mother had NO antibody to HSV 1.

The situation that you describe is very different from this.  
Your baby is also getting older now and will be better able to handle an HSV  infection should this happen to her.  

You sound like a really good mom and your are doing everything right for your little girl.

Terri

[Kris888]

One more thing...my husband things the sore she touched has all but disappeared, but I am worried about the sore I had maybe a week and a half ago before I knew the danger for newborns...I tried to be careful, but am worried I didn't do enough.