Cold Sore Infant

Dear Ask The Doctor: I had a cold sore, it was gone, but because I am terrible with biting when I get them, the new skin was pink on my lip still. I went to my son's and was with his three and half month old infant. I am now persona non-grata in a terrible way. I thought I was healed and there was no danger, can you tell me what the odds are that I have given this child a cold sore virus, which I now read can be devestating to an infant?

Dear Ayla: Hello I understand your concern about Herpes simplex Virus 1 or Cold Sores, The herpes simplex virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth. It is usually spread when a person touches a cold sore or touches infected fluid such as from sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person, or touching that persons saliva. A parent or other adult who has a cold sore often spreads the infection to child in this way, by kissing. The blisters may break open, leak a clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. They usually heal after several days to 2 weeks. However the virus will stay in the body forever.