Quick read
Key points
- 1
Neonatal herpes is a rare but serious infection in newborns caused by the herpes simplex virus, most often passed from mother to baby during birth if the mother has an active genital herpes infection at that time, though it can occasionally be passed after birth through contact with a cold sore.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
Your newborn develops any blisters, unusual rash, or sores
01 · Know
What is Herpes Infection in Newborn Babies (Neonatal Herpes)?
Neonatal herpes is a rare but serious infection in newborns caused by the herpes simplex virus, most often passed from mother to baby during birth if the mother has an active genital herpes infection at that time, though it can occasionally be passed after birth through contact with a cold sore.
Newborns have immature immune systems, which is why herpes infection can become serious very quickly in this age group, potentially affecting the skin, eyes, brain, or other organs. Prompt treatment with antiviral medication significantly improves outcomes, which is why urgent recognition matters so much.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Anyone with a cold sore should avoid kissing a newborn
Because herpes can be passed to a newborn through a simple cold sore, it's recommended that anyone with an active cold sore avoid kissing or having close facial contact with a baby until it has healed.
03 · Act
Seek Emergency Assessment Immediately If
- 1Your newborn develops any blisters, unusual rash, or sores
- 2Your newborn seems unusually unwell, sleepy, or is feeding poorly
- 3You have a history of genital herpes and are due to give birth — tell your maternity team so a plan can be made
- 4Anyone in close contact with your newborn has an active cold sore
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
This Requires Emergency Medical Treatment
Neonatal herpes can progress extremely quickly and needs urgent hospital treatment — there is no safe way to manage suspected neonatal herpes at home.
- 1Seek emergency care for any concerning symptoms.Don't wait to see if things improve — early treatment significantly improves outcomes.
- 2Avoid contact between cold sores and your baby.Anyone with an active cold sore should avoid kissing the baby's face until it has fully healed.
- 3Tell your maternity team about any history of genital herpes.This allows them to plan the safest approach to delivery and any preventive treatment.
- 4Wash hands thoroughly before handling your newborn.This is good general practice and helps reduce the risk of passing on any infection.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Neonatal herpes is rare, but prompt recognition and emergency treatment make a significant difference to outcomes.
Any blisters, unusual sleepiness, or poor feeding in a newborn should be treated as an emergency, not watched and waited on.