A Surgeon Cautioned Against Kissing Babies—Here’s Why

As a clinical microbiologist, I always assumed it was common knowledge that kissing a newborn on the head was a bad idea. However, Dr. Karan Raj, an NHS surgeon, recently posted a TikTok warning about the risks of kissing babies, which seemed to be news for many viewers, judging by the thousands of comments.

A survey conducted by the UK charity The Lullaby Trust last year found that 54% of new and expectant parents would allow friends and family to kiss their newborn, unaware of the potential risk of serious infection.

So, why is it so dangerous to kiss a newborn?

Newborns’ Vulnerability to Infections Due to Immune System Development

Newborns have an underdeveloped immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. In the first three months of life, infants have fewer infection-fighting cells like neutrophils and monocytes compared to adults. This means that infections that might only cause mild symptoms in older children or adults can be life-threatening for babies.

One such infection is the herpes virus. While adults may experience cold sores, herpes can cause serious illness in babies. If the infection is limited to the skin, mouth, or eyes, it can usually be treated with antiviral medications. However, if the virus spreads to the baby’s organs, it becomes much more severe and potentially deadly.

Newborns, especially those under four weeks old, are particularly vulnerable to herpes and other infections.

“The curse of knowledge” (also known as “the curse of expertise“) is a cognitive bias that occurs when you mistakenly believe that everyone has the same level of understanding as you on a particular subject.

Increased Vulnerability of Newborns to Infectious Bacteria

Newborns are more vulnerable to infectious bacteria than older children and adults, particularly to infections caused by intracellular pathogens—bacteria that can invade and survive inside the host’s cells. One such pathogen is group B streptococci (GBS), which typically reside in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts of adults without causing harm. In newborns, however, GBS can lead to sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections.

Additionally, newborns are at greater risk from E. coli strains that are generally harmless to adults but can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis in infants, potentially leading to severe outcomes.

Parents’ Right to Protect Their Newborn from Visitors’ Contact

Parents of newborns should not hesitate to ask visitors to refrain from kissing or touching their baby. If a visitor genuinely cares about the baby’s health, they should understand and respect the request. Parents should not feel as though they are overreacting.

The most considerate action a visitor can take is to avoid putting the baby at risk. However, if there is a compelling reason to kiss the baby, there are steps that can help minimize the risk of infection.

First, wash your hands thoroughly and avoid kissing the baby on the mouth or face—opt for kissing their foot or the back of their head instead. If you are dealing with an active infection, reconsider whether visiting the baby is necessary, especially if the baby is under a month old.

Herpes infections are particularly dangerous for newborns, so cover any cold sores with a dressing. If you are unwell but feel you must visit, wear a mask and avoid close contact with the baby, especially if you have a respiratory illness.

Remember, newborns are extremely vulnerable to infections. While kissing them is often a gesture of affection, it can also make them seriously ill—and you’d regret it if that happened.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

Read more: Early Low Sugar Intake Linked to Lower Chronic Disease Risk, Study Finds