A baby suffered brain damage from a kiss on the lips. (Illustration: Freepik)
ONE A mother has issued a touching warning after her perfectly healthy baby suffered brain damage from contracting the herpes virus through a kiss on the lips.
In an interview on the Special Books by Special Kids YouTube channel, Breelyn’s mother shared this story. He stated that many people do not realize how dangerous it is to kiss a baby on the lips, which can carry serious risks.
Summarizing from Vt.co on Wednesday (9/10/2024), the mother revealed that Breelyn, who is now eight years old, was born in very healthy condition. However, when Breelyn was only two days old, someone who was too enthusiastic to see her accidentally kissed her on the mouth.
A few days later, Breelyn, who was only a week old at that time, began to show unusual symptoms. He sleeps for too long and is difficult to wake up to feed. At that time, the mother began to feel that something was wrong.
Two weeks after the kiss, Breelyn started having seizures. After undergoing a medical examination, the doctor found that this poor baby was infected with HSV encephalitis, a brain infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus entered Breelyn’s brain fluid and caused severe damage.
A baby suffered brain damage from a kiss on the lips. (Illustration: Freepik)
“The infection attacked her brain, causing 60% of the left side of Breelyn’s brain to be damaged,” said her mother.
He also emphasized that parents must be firm in setting limits on anyone who is near their children. Breelyn’s stepfather also added that many people do not realize how dangerous this virus is and are shocked after hearing their story.
“Many people only realized the risks after this incident,” he said.
Despite knowing who kissed her daughter, the mother admitted that she had forgiven that person.
“They didn’t mean to do it. It was a painful accident,” he said, stressing the importance of understanding the risks.
Meanwhile, the NHS advises anyone infected with herpes not to kiss the baby and to always maintain personal hygiene to prevent transmission.
(Leo)
The Hidden Dangers of a Simple Kiss: A Cautionary Tale of Herpes-Associated Brain Damage
As a renowned blog news writer, I’ve come across numerous heart-wrenching stories, but one recent account has left me shaken. A young mother, Breelyn, shared her harrowing experience of how her perfectly healthy baby suffered brain damage from contracting the herpes virus through a seemingly innocent kiss on the lips. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the importance of awareness and precautions.
According to Breelyn’s mother, the baby contracted the virus through a kiss, highlighting the ease with which HSV can be transmitted. This is not an isolated incident, as HSV is a highly contagious virus that can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, including kissing, sharing utensils, or even touching an infected person’s saliva [[1]].
The consequences of HSV infection can be severe, particularly in infants and young children. In this case, the baby suffered brain damage, which can be a devastating and long-lasting outcome. Herpes simplex encephalitis, a rare but serious complication of HSV infection, can cause severe brain damage and even death if left untreated [[2]].
Research has shown that HSV-1, the most common type of herpes-associated encephalitis, can cause severe brain damage, but antiviral treatment can help mitigate the effects [[1]]. However, prevention is still key, and it’s essential for parents and caregivers to be aware of the risks associated with HSV transmission.
Furthermore, studies have identified proteins that can prevent serious brain damage and reduce the risk of fatal HSV-1 infection, offering hope for future treatments [[2]]. Additionally, research has also highlighted the association between HSV-2 and neurological diseases, including lumbosacral radiculoneuropathy, transverse myelitis, and encephalitis, particularly in HIV-infected patients [[3]].
Breelyn’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers of herpes simplex virus transmission. While a simple kiss may seem harmless, it can have devastating consequences, especially for vulnerable individuals like infants and young children. As a society, it’s essential that we prioritize awareness and education about the risks associated with HSV transmission and take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents.
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