Kissing a baby may seem like an innocent act of love, but it can have devastating consequences. Take the case of Breelyn, who at just two days old, was kissed on the mouth and left permanently paralyzed.

Now eight years old, Breelyn’s life took a tragic turn after someone with a cold sore transmitted the herpes virus to her, causing HSV encephalitis. This illness can lead to cerebral dysfunction and severe brain injuries.

Breelyn’s young and vulnerable immune system was unable to fight off the infection, leaving her brain at the mercy of the virus. The consequences were devastating, resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury. Her mother, in a heartfelt video on the ‘Special Books by Special Kids’ YouTube channel, warns fellow parents about the dangers of kissing babies, especially on the mouth.

“When parents say not to kiss your children, this is one of the reasons for sure,” the concerned mother explains. She goes on to share her own heartbreaking experience, revealing that after being kissed, her previously healthy and happy baby started experiencing seizures just two weeks later.

The consequences of the kiss were profound. Sixty percent of the left part of Breelyn’s brain suffered damage, with 10 percent of the right side affected as well. As a result, Breelyn is now unable to walk or talk, and her life expectancy is tragically shortened. However, despite the immense pain and challenges, her mother has found forgiveness for the person who unknowingly caused this tragedy. It was an accident, and they never intended for this to happen.

Neonatal herpes, though rare in the UK, is a serious concern. The herpes simplex virus that causes the infection is common in adults and can result in cold sores and genital ulcers. To prevent neonatal herpes, the NHS provides simple yet crucial advice for pregnant women with a history of genital herpes. Informing your doctor or midwife is essential, as medication may be needed to prevent an outbreak during labor. Caesarean section delivery is recommended if the mother develops genital herpes within the last six weeks of pregnancy.

For anyone with a cold sore or signs of a herpes infection, precautions must be taken to avoid transmitting the virus to a newborn. This includes refraining from kissing babies, washing hands before contact, washing hands before breastfeeding, and covering any cold sores or lesions on the body.

Let’s spread awareness about the potentially life-altering consequences of kissing babies. It only takes a momentary act of affection to change a child’s life forever.