Babies can be infected with the herpes virus. If you’ve been exposed you need to speak with your doctor before you decide to have children. This is very important even if you or haven’t ever had a symptom or had a recurrence in a long period of time. The doctor could arrange a test and see if the virus is present when you’re going into labor. You’ll be checked for herpes at labor and you should be sure to let the doctor know if you have active symptoms at that time.

If no virus is found to be in the birth canal, no signs or symptoms, then vaginal delivery could be considered to be safe. If there is the virus or signs or symptoms present then a C-Section could be scheduled so your baby isn’t infected through direct contact.

A baby could be infected through someone that is kissed by a person with a cold sore. A baby can’t fight infection like an adult can so a serious infection could easily result. Don’t ever kiss a baby when you have a cold sore and make sure that nobody with a cold sore kisses your baby.