Most of us tend to take colds, stomach bugs, cold sores, and the like lightly as common ailments.
But experts say parents need to be aware that even minor illnesses like the common cold can have dire consequences for newborns, and may need to take steps to prevent them.
For example, some viral infections can cause potentially serious complications in young children, such as pneumonia.
But these milder symptoms can be very hard to spot because “they present in a very common way”, warns Dr Muriel Metho, consultant paediatrician and endocrinologist at HCA Healthcare UK’s Portland Hospital in London.
Here, Dr. Meso reveals the common illnesses parents shouldn’t ignore and what to do if they spot them.
Herpes
In adults, cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus, are not only common, but can also be “self-limited,” meaning they go away on their own, and can be treated with over-the-counter antiviral creams.
But for babies just a few weeks old, the consequences can be much more serious.
“Babies are more susceptible to infection as their immune systems are immature, so infections that are mild or less severe in older children may cause more severe symptoms in babies,” Dr Metho told Mail Online.
For example, the herpes virus doesn’t necessarily just cause cold sores in babies, Dr Meso warns.
“If someone with oral herpes comes into contact with a baby, they may develop a more severe herpes simplex virus infection that spreads and becomes more invasive,” she said.
In fact, if your baby comes into contact with the virus, it may require serious medical treatment.
Dr Meso said: “If your baby develops a blistering rash, seek medical advice, especially if they have been in contact with someone who has cold sores. Antiviral treatment may be required, especially if the baby is very young.”
“If your baby is under three months old, they should go to the emergency room if they’re unwell.”
And for this reason, pediatricians emphasize that “prevention is definitely better than cure.”
“People with cold sores should avoid contact with babies and make sure they wash their hands,” she said.
cold
Even typical cold symptoms — runny nose, cough and fever — can be dangerous for newborns, Dr Meso warns.
While adults can easily weather the runny nose, cough and fever that accompanies these infections, infants can be more affected because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
“If a baby does develop a more severe infection due to the virus, the symptoms can be very non-specific,” Dr. Meso says.
Signs of a serious infection include unusual drowsiness, rapid breathing and fever, and should never be ignored, says Dr. Metho.
“Babies need sleep in the first few weeks of life so they’ll sleep a lot anyway, but you need to be sure they’re nursing, so if you have a very sleepy baby it could be a cold virus,” Dr Meso said.
“If your baby is under three months old and is breathing quickly, struggling to breathe, feels warm or has a fever, they should go to the emergency room as these can all be early symptoms of an infection,” she added.
Ear infection
Ear infections are very common in young children and older children and usually resolve on their own within three days.
However, in babies, signs such as fever can be very hard to spot and could be a sign of a more serious illness like meningitis.
According to the NHS, babies with ear infections may rub or pull at their ears, not respond to certain sounds, be restless or irritable, or refuse to eat.
Newborns can also develop a fever if they have an ear infection, Dr. Meso warns.
If it’s just an ear infection, we recommend visiting your GP, but if your baby has other worrying symptoms you should take them to the emergency room.
Dr Meso said: “It’s the severity of the symptoms that matters more, so your baby is more likely to give the impression that he or she is generally unwell.”
“If your baby is having trouble waking, is breathing rapidly, has a fever or is under three months old, you should go to the emergency room.”
“However, if your baby is over six months old, is still breastfeeding and has a fever, you can see your GP.”
chicken pox
In most cases, chickenpox is a mild illness in children and nothing to worry about, but young infants are at risk of developing serious complications.
Complications of chickenpox in newborns can include dehydration and inflammation of other organs, such as the brain, kidneys, and pancreas.
“If left untreated, people can develop complications such as pneumonia and other serious secondary infections,” Dr. Meso said.
“Any infant under one month old who has chickenpox and develops a rash should be seen at an emergency department. They will likely need treatment,” she added.
However, more than 90 percent of the population is already immune to chickenpox because they have already been infected with the virus, Dr. Meso explains.
She said: “This hopefully means that babies within seven days of birth will be protected by their mother’s antibodies.”
“This should prevent or at least weaken the expression of the virus.”
Vomiting and diarrhea
Vomiting in young babies is very common, but illness in the womb can have serious consequences.
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A bacterial infection in the tummy is not something to panic about on its own, but for babies under three months old, the infection can cause loss of fluids and lead to dehydration, which can be serious.
“If they’re just vomiting and not necessarily having diarrhea, I would be concerned about dehydration, but they should be evaluated because that could be a symptom of another infection, not just a bacterial infection in the stomach,” Dr. Meso said.
“If they are vomiting or having diarrhea, you should check to see if they are dehydrated. Infants and young children are more susceptible to dehydration and may need special support,” she added.
Newborns will need medical attention if they are unable to feed or drink, but older babies can be monitored at home.
“Older children may be able to be monitored at home if they don’t have a high fever, are reasonably alert and have not vomited at least 60 percent of their fluids,” Dr. Metho said.
“But even if you don’t need to take them to the emergency department, you should always seek medical advice first.”
Thrush
Common fungal infections are easy to treat but can be painful and may affect breastfeeding.
“It’s important for parents to notice symptoms such as a white coating on the tongue,” Dr Meso says.
“Candidiasis does not cause serious infections if caught early, but it may affect breastfeeding.”
Dr Meso encourages breastfeeding mothers and babies to visit their GP for an examination, as they may be prescribed anti-fungal treatment.
Although it’s important to know the signs of yeast infection, it’s not usually serious enough to warrant a visit to the emergency department unless your baby becomes dehydrated.
“If it goes unnoticed for a while, it can have a major impact on your baby’s feeding and can make your baby very sleepy if they become dehydrated,” Dr Meso said.
Parents and carers who are concerned about their baby should seek medical advice. Stay healthy together The website offers guidance to parents and guardians, she added.
