Who does not love seeing small and cute babies? Because they want to show affection, many people love to hug and kiss babies. However, it turns out this is not good to do, you know. The reason is, if the baby is kissed often, then he will be more susceptible to infectious diseases.
Unlike adults, babies have weak immune systems. This makes the baby's body vulnerable to germs and viruses that can cause various health problems.
Be careful if the baby is kissed
Germs and viruses that cause infectious diseases can settle in any part of the body, including the nose and mouth. When a baby is kissed, the germ and the virus will move to the baby's mouth and face, thus causing the baby more at risk of developing the disease if he is often kissed.
Some infectious diseases that are at risk for infants who are kissed often include:
1. Herpes simplex
One of the diseases that can afflict Little if he was kissed by someone else is a herpes disease caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV 1).
When affected by this disease, the baby will show some symptoms, such as:
- More fussy or look in pain.
- Sores and blisters and rashes appear on the lips and surrounding skin.
- Fever.
- Not wanting to breastfeed or eat.
- Red and swollen gums.
- Lumps appear in the neck due to swollen lymph nodes.
If you find any signs of these symptoms in the baby, immediately take your child to the doctor so that quickly get treatment. If the treatment is not done immediately, the greater the risk of the HSV virus spreading to other parts of the body and cause serious complications, such as vision problems, genital herpes, and brain damage.
To deal with this disease, doctors usually prescribe antiviral drugs. After the condition is successfully treated, Mother is recommended to keep checking the health condition of your child regularly to the doctor. This is because babies who have had herpes may experience a recurrence later in life.
2. Kissing disease (mononucleosis)
Babies that are kissed often can develop a disease called mononucleosis. Epstein-Barr virus is the cause of this disease. Because this virus is present in the saliva, transmission does not only occur when an infected person kisses the baby, but also when the person coughs or sneezes near him.
Infants suffering from this disease will show signs and symptoms in the form of:
- Fever.
- Looks weak and doesn't want to play.
- Fuss because of pain.
- Skin rash.
- Not wanting to eat or breastfeed.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
If you realize that your child has symptoms of kissing disease, immediately see a doctor for further examination and treatment. Without prompt and proper treatment, babies can be at high risk for a number of serious complications, such as enlarged spleen, jaundice, and liver damage.
3. Sprue due to fungal infections of Candida (thrush)
Candida mushrooms are normal microorganisms that live in the mouth, skin and digestive tract of every adult. When someone kisses a baby, then this fungus can move into the baby's mouth
If this happens, then the baby who is often kissed will be prone to mouth sores due to Candida fungal infections.
Babies affected by fungal infections in their mouths will experience signs of symptoms in the form of patches or white coating in the mouth, tongue, palate, and gums, the corners of the baby's mouth look dry and cracked, fussy, and less willing to breastfeed because of the mouth feels sore.
To treat it, it is necessary to administer antifungal drugs that can be obtained from a doctor's prescription. If the baby is given ASI, then it can be continued.
4. Bacterial meningitis
Meningitis caused by bacterial infection is a serious condition that can endanger the lives of babies. When exposed to meningitis, the baby will show symptoms such as:
- Limp and not actively moving.
- Fever.
- Convulsions.
- Stiff neck.
- Vomiting and does not want to eat or breastfeed.
- Tends to fall asleep and is hard to wake up.
Babies affected by bacterial meningitis need to get treatment from a pediatrician in the hospital as soon as possible. This disease requires treatment with antibiotics given by injection through an IV. If the baby's condition is severe, he will need treatment in the PICU room.
If late handled, babies affected by bacterial meningitis can experience fatal complications, such as sepsis and permanent brain damage. This brain damage can cause a baby to experience disabilities, for example loss of hearing function, growth and developmental disorders, or paralysis.
5. ARI
Other risks that can afflict babies if they are kissed often are those with ARI or acute respiratory infections. ARI is most often caused by a viral infection, but sometimes it can also be caused by bacteria.
Just like some of the conditions above, the virus or bacteria that causes ARI is also contained in saliva and can be transmitted not only when kissing the baby, but also when the person is coughing or sneezing near the baby.
Infants who develop ARI will experience a number of symptoms, such as coughing colds, frequent sneezing, fever, shortness of breath accompanied by breathing sounds, appear weak, and less willing to breastfeed or eat.
If caused by a viral infection, ARI in infants can improve by itself. But if it is caused by bacteria, then this disease needs to be treated with antibiotics. During recovery, make sure the baby is drinking enough milk or eating to prevent dehydration.
Because there are many dangers that can afflict a baby if he is often kissed, so from now on avoid to kiss the baby or let the baby be kissed by others. This aims to maintain the health of your child.
If you want to touch the baby, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap or hand sanitizer before handling and holding the baby. In addition, do not forget to keep the baby's vaccination schedule, and check his health regularly to the pediatrician.
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