A simple kiss, given out of love, can still prove to be fatal to newborns

Can a simple kiss really be dangerous to newborns?

Dr. Bhavani: Yes it can. To some extent, some dangers depend on the immune status of the new born as the child is exposed to many diseases and infections that can be transmitted by one way or the other.

Is it easy for a newborn to contact diseases/infections from a kiss or other ways?

Dr. Bhavani: Yes, an adult with a cold sore, which is caused by the Herpes simplex virus spreads from skin to skin contact, like kissing and also by sharing razors, lipsticks, tooth brushes, eating from the same utensils or even sharing towels. The virus lies in the dormant cells of the skin, and of the mouth and breaks out into disease when the immune system of the individual goes down. Though Herpes Simplex I virus is commonly distributed as a benign infection in the population, it can have a much more severe effect on newborns. Symptoms of the herpes simplex virus typically appear as a blister or as multiple blisters on or around affected areas — usually the mouth, in this case. The blisters break, leaving tender sores.

Often, the appearance of Herpes Simplex virus is typical and no testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis. If a health care provider is uncertain, herpes simplex can be diagnosed with lab tests and virus cultures. Furthermore, individuals with other communicable diseases like cold and flu, tuberculosis, etc. can pass on the infection when they kiss or touch a newborn. Infectious mononucleosis, commonly called as kissing disease, is another infectious disease that spreads by kissing in older children, mostly in teenagers. It is caused by the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV).

Why does this happen, is it because their immune system is still weak? Is it also specific to only newborns or to older babies as well?

Dr. Bhavani: The newborn immune system is still developing, hence weak. Some new born babies may also be born with some congenital diseases like Herpes acquired from the mother or have some immune deficiency disorder which predisposes them to infections.

What are the diseases that the babies in the gulf can get and what should parents worry about? Is Herpes one of them?

Dr. Bhavani: There are many bacterial and viral infections affecting babies. During the new born period, most often the cause of infections are either bacterial or viral. And yes, Herpes is one of these infections.

What other diseases can pose a danger to a baby and how can they be transmitted?

Dr. Bhavani: Apart from Herpes, there are also other conditions that can pose a risk to the baby when contracted. Congenital infections acquired by babies from their mother, either through the placenta as a fetus or during birth during the passage through the birth canal. Some of these infections are chlamydia, Cytomegalovirus, Rubella, Gonococcal, Group B streptococcal infection, Hepatitis, Herpes, Parvovirus, Toxoplasmosis, Syphilis, Varicella etc.

Do you think parents should not allow people to kiss their babies at all?

Dr. Bhavani: Human saliva carries innumerable organisms and if an infected person inadvertently kisses a baby he/she is most likely to infect the baby. Ideally parents should not allow people to kiss their babies, especially on the mouth, even if the individuals appear to be healthy. Moreover, if someone has a cold sore, it is always better to ask them to maintain distance until the condition has been cured completely. We need to stop looking at this as a new generation of over-protective parents wrapping a child in cotton wool, it has to be seen as nothing more than what it is, which is the right thing to do as you are only trying to protect your child. Giving a baby the best chance at life is a parent’s right and responsibility and no one should make them feel guilty for expressing caution.

So ensure that even you do not kiss a newborn baby on the lips and also do not let sick children near a new born baby. Parents can’t worry about being polite when their baby’s life is at risk.

How does breastfeeding help a newborn’s immunity?

Dr. Bhavani: Breast feeding provides the newborn with antibodies to help fight infections and thus exclusive breast feeding helps the baby in being susceptible to fewer infections, as opposed to bottled feeding.

Signs to look for