Khaberni - Health experts warn that kissing newborns, despite being a common way to express affection, can expose infants to the risk of serious diseases and infections due to their weak immune system in the first months of their lives.
Researcher Remsrose Freston, a clinical microbiology specialist at the University of Leicester, stated that a newborn is vulnerable to germs and explained that parents can protect their children from infections, according to the French newspaper "West France".
The specialist at the University of Leicester clarified that children have an incomplete immune system, making them more susceptible to serious infections compared to adults.
She pointed out that during the first three months, children possess a limited number of fundamental immune cells such as neutrophils and monocytes, responsible for early defense against microbes.
This means that germs causing mild symptoms in adults can be lethal for infants.
Freston noted that a clear example of this is the herpes virus, which usually causes sores on the lips in adults, but can become fatal in infants if it spreads within the body and reaches sensitive organs.
She added that the risk of infection increases the younger the child, especially during the first four weeks after birth. Also, bacteria like Group B streptococcus and E. coli, which may be harmless in adults, can lead to blood infections, pneumonia, or meningitis in infants.
According to a survey conducted by The Lullaby Trust in Britain at the end of 2023, it found that more than half of new parents allow their friends and family to kiss the newborn without realizing the risks of infection. This shows the importance of raising awareness about this issue.
According to the French newspaper, parents should not feel embarrassed about preventing visitors from touching or kissing the newborn. If it is necessary for visitors to be close to the child, precautionary measures can be taken: washing hands thoroughly before touching the child, avoiding touching the face or mouth, and limiting contact to touching the feet or back of the head, and postponing the visit if the visitor is ill or has a respiratory infection. In case of herpes sores or blisters appearing, it is advised to cover them before any meeting.
The specialist emphasizes that love does not require putting the newborn at risk. Expressing affection can be safe by staying away from the face and using protective means. Raising awareness of these risks helps protect the child's health and avoid parents feeling guilty if the newborn suffers any health complications.
Freston warned that kissing newborns might seem innocent, but it actually carries real risks, and caution and simple precautions can make a big difference in protecting children's lives.
