"Kissing newborns is prohibited"... Why British doctors issued a warning

Mothers raising children probably know this very well.

You probably know that newborns with weak immune systems should not be kissed on the face.

Very immature and highly susceptible to infection, young children should be especially careful.

Sometimes, when I see adults holding and kissing the cheeks or around the mouth of a cute child, I feel uncomfortable.

Don't forget to wash your hands before touching it~

 

 

A British expert has warned not to kiss newborns who are less than three months old. This is because viruses on a person's face could be transmitted to newborns whose immune systems are not fully developed, potentially threatening their lives.

According to the UK Daily Mail on the 11th (local time), Cara Razan, a surgeon at the NHS (National Health Service), recently posted a video titled "Newborn Warning" on her TikTok.

In this video, he said, "You would probably be surprised to know how many people are unaware of this," and added, "If you are raising a baby or frequently meet babies, you need to know this important fact." He then continued, "People who meet babies should follow a few rules."

The rules he proposed include "Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the baby" and "Do not kiss the baby unless you are the parent or primary caregiver."

Razaan explained, "That's because the immune systems of these little babies are still 'updating their software.' They are very immature and much more vulnerable to infections." He further warned, "Even infections that cause only mild symptoms like a cold in children and adults can threaten the lives of newborns."

He said, "Newborns develop their immune systems through continuous exposure to microbes via contact with family members and breastfeeding," and added, "There is no need to intentionally expose them to pathogenic viruses or bacteria for the sake of 'immune system development.'" He also advised, "Relatives and friends should wait about two to three months until the baby's immune system becomes stronger before kissing the baby."

Other experts also warned that viruses can spread through kissing, which can lead to serious complications.

Pediatrician Muriel Meso told the Daily Mail, "Adults can just endure mild cold symptoms like runny nose, cough, and slight fever, but babies can be hit much harder."

He elaborated using cases of oral herpes and chickenpox. Oral herpes is caused by type 1 infection and mainly results in cold sores on the around the mouth, lips, and oral mucosa. It can be transmitted through contact with family members or friends who carry the virus during childhood, or by sharing towels and utensils.

Meso said, "When infected with oral herpes, many adults recover naturally without using antiviral creams. However, in the case of newborns, the virus can spread to the brain and cause seizures, spinal cord damage, and other complications." He continued, "If a newborn contracts chickenpox, complications such as dehydration, encephalitis, pneumonia, or other serious secondary infections can occur."

 

<Source: Health Chosun>