> The herpes virus infection is one such example. In adults, herpes causes cold sores, but babies can quickly become seriously ill after catching the virus. If the herpes only affects the baby’s eyes, mouth or skin, most will recover after antiviral treatment. But if the virus becomes systemic and affects the baby’s organs, the infection is much more serious and can even be deadly. The younger the baby, the more vulnerable they are to infection by herpes, particularly in the first four weeks after birth.

Holy crap, this just made me paranoid about babies and their health in general. If anyone can allay my (newfound) fear by explaining why this might be overly sensational, please chime in. I’m suddenly extremely relieved my nieces and nephew are old enough that their immune systems are getting practice in the real world.

I remember when my friends’ baby was a premmie and I had to wash my hands before holding him. Now I think that should apply to all newborns. That much, I think, is reasonable and not paranoid.