A mother whose newborn daughter died after contracting the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is urging other parents to learn about the dangers cold sores can pose to babies. Meg Edmonds' daughter, Magnolia, died aged 10 days in February.
For adults, cold sores are typically a painful but common infection. However, in newborn babies with undeveloped immune systems, HSV can cause a life-threatening illness.
It is suspected the virus may have been passed on by Ms Edmonds, who said she had a sore on her lip around the time Magnolia was born. She stated she had never had a cold sore before and had been reassured by health professionals that it was nothing to worry about.
Ms Edmonds, from Rugeley in Staffordshire, is speaking publicly as part of an infection prevention campaign by the Lullaby Trust, a charity promoting infant health. Jenny Ward, chief executive of the Lullaby Trust, highlighted the pressure parents can feel when asking others not to kiss or touch their baby. The charity's 'THANKS' advice encourages people to wash their hands before touching a baby and to avoid kissing them if unwell.