nanny kissing 16month with possible cold sore

[anxious12332]

Hello,

I am concerned that what my nanny may have is a cold sore. i heard on the baby monitor that she kissed her twice, i’m very much hoping it was on the cheeks. she also blew kisses into her stomach. once i heard this i immediately asked her to stop.

can the cold sore/hsv transfer to my daughters cheek or stomach area?

Thank you, B

[auntiejessi]

How old is your daughter?

It shouldn't transmit to your daughter, provided she isn't a newborn or have any broken skin.

Whether it's a cold sore, a burn, a cut, or something else on your nanny's lip, you have every right to request that she not kiss your baby while she has symptoms of something on her lip. It's not your place to ask what that is, but if it's an infected burn, she shouldn't be kissing your baby any more than she should be if it's a cold sore.

Also, there are colds, flu, covid, strep, dozens of upper respiratory viruses that affect kids - she doesn't need to be kissing your baby on the mouth. No one does except her parents and siblings, really. You have the right to request that, too.

I wouldn't worry so much about the belly kisses if she's of an age where it makes her giggle. She's old enough that her skin is thick enough to be a barrier.

[auntiejessi]

I'm sorry - I just noticed in the title you say she's 16 months. That's fine for belly kisses and cheek kisses for hsv1. I would still limit mouth kisses with sores - I would do that for anyone, and would limit mouth kisses from anyone except immediate family with all that's going on.

[auntiejessi]

Oh and I need to add that if she has a sore - she doesn't need to put her mouth on any part of your baby for any reason. The belly kisses can wait.