What should my best friend do?!


Question: What should my best friend do!?
My best friend is first time mother, she was diagnosed with herpes in 2005, and had to take acyclovir when she was pregnant with her son!. She has type I, which is the kind that causes cold sores!. She didn't want to kiss her son for fear of giving it to him, but she can't be completely non-affectionate, so she has given herself permission to kiss him on the cheeks, as long as she doesn't have any coldsores on her mouth!. Is this okay, or can she still spread it to her baby, even though the coldsore isn't there!?Www@Answer-Health@Com


Answers:
I think that she is doing exactly the right thing!.

She can, in fact, spread her oral herpes to her son when no sores are present, and at some point her son will probably catch her oral herpes!.

But she has two choices - make 100% sure that her son never catches her herpes, or raise a child that has never been kissed by his mother!. In my opinion, kissing your baby is part of raising a healthy child!.

I would also suggest that she avoid kissing his eyes - since you can get herpes in your eyes!. It is rare, but if you get it, it can be a real hassle!. But she should definitely kiss his cheeks and his head, his fingers and toes and belly button!.

While he is very young, she may also want to take an antiviral on a daily basis, since that will further reduce (but not completely eliminate) the chances of spreading herpes when no sores are present!.

Good question!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

How do you get Herpes!?
Herpes is spread by direct skin to skin contact!. Unlike a flu virus that you can get through the air, herpes spreads by direct contact, that is, directly from the site of infection to the site of contact!. For example, if you have a cold sore and kiss someone, you can transfer the virus to their mouth!. Similarly, if you have active genital herpes and have vaginal or anal intercourse, you can give your partner genital herpes!. Finally, if you have a cold sore and put your mouth on your partners genitals (oral sex), you can give your partner genital herpes!.

When Is Herpes Most Likely To Be Spread!?

Herpes is most easily spread when a sore is present, but, it is also often spread at other times too!. Some people notice itching, tingling or other sensations before they see anything on their skin!. These are called "Prodromal Symptoms" and they warn that virus may be present on the skin!. Herpes is most likely to be spread from the time these first symptoms are noticed until the area is completely healed and the skin looks normal again!. Sexual contact (oral, vaginal, or anal) is very risky during this time!.

http://www!.herpes!.com/Transmission!.shtmlWww@Answer-Health@Com

herpes is more likely to be spread when there is a cold sore visable!. if she is taking suppressive medication that will further reduce her chances of passing herpes onto her son!. the chances are less then a 10% to pass herpes on if she does not have an out break and even furter reduced when she takes medication!.
if she has a cold sore she can give her son lots of hugs but she should really try not to kiss him while she has one!. herpes is usually passed on like this a about 80% of the population has cold sores so its kind of common to have!. most cases are passed by relatives kissing kids when they have cold sores!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

Herpes is spread by direct contact, so it would need to be on her face to pass it to anyone by kissing!.

My sister has herpes on her nose - got it from kissing a friend on the cheek!. She's still very affection with her children (both pre-teens), but must be extremely careful when she gets an "outbreak!."

It's definitely a scary thing because you don't want your kids getting such a painful disease, but I wouldn't let it stop her from being a normal, loving parent!.!.!.and it sounds like she doesn't need to worry about it since it's not on her face anyway!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

Nobody is missing your point!. Herpes/coldsores, etc!.!.!.can be spread even if their isn't an outbreak!. But I mean coldsores aren't that bad!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

No, she should abstain from kissing when she has a cold sore, as herpes is transmitted through skin to skin contact only!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

Herpes is spread during an active stage which is when there are sores otherwise it should be safe!.Www@Answer-Health@Com





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