A mother’s heartbreak has become a powerful warning to other parents after her perfectly healthy newborn baby suffered severe brain damage from a simple kiss on the mouth. This innocent act exposed her daughter to a life-altering virus, leading to a battle for health that no one anticipated. Her story highlights the importance of setting boundaries and raises awareness about the hidden dangers that cold sores and herpes infections can pose to newborns.
Breelyn was born a perfectly healthy baby. Credit: Special Books by Special Kids/Youtube
How a Kiss on the Mouth Led to a Tragic Outcome
In an emotional interview on the YouTube channel Special Books by Special Kids, Breelyn’s mom shared the story of how her once-healthy baby girl’s life changed forever. Breelyn was born without any complications, and like any excited new mom, her mother was thrilled to share her bundle of joy with loved ones. But things took a tragic turn when, just two days after Breelyn’s birth, someone kissed her on the mouth.
Initially, everything seemed fine, but within days, Breelyn started showing worrying symptoms. She became unusually sleepy, to the point where her mother had to wake her for feedings. Shortly after, Breelyn began experiencing seizures. After frantic medical examinations, doctors determined that Breelyn had contracted HSV encephalitis, a brain infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), likely from that simple, well-intentioned kiss.
Understanding HSV Encephalitis and Its Effects on Newborns
HSV encephalitis is a severe infection of the brain, caused by the herpes simplex virus, specifically HSV-1 or HSV-2. While HSV-1 is often associated with cold sores, HSV-2 is more commonly linked to genital herpes. Both types, however, can cause serious complications if transmitted to a newborn. Due to a newborn’s developing immune system, these viruses can spread rapidly, infecting brain tissue and leading to significant and sometimes irreversible damage.
When Breelyn contracted the virus, it traveled to her brain fluid, causing inflammation that damaged 60% of the left side of her brain. HSV encephalitis is rare, but when it does occur in newborns, the consequences can be devastating, as Breelyn’s story painfully illustrates.
Why Newborns Are Particularly Vulnerable
Newborns are especially vulnerable to infections due to their immature immune systems. The herpes simplex virus can easily spread through direct contact, such as a kiss. In adults, the virus might cause mild symptoms like a cold sore, but for a baby, it can lead to life-threatening conditions like HSV encephalitis.
Because of this susceptibility, pediatricians often advise parents to be cautious about who holds or kisses their newborn. A seemingly harmless kiss from someone carrying the herpes virus—even if they have no visible symptoms—can transmit the virus, with potentially tragic consequences.
The Devastating Impact on Breelyn’s Life
The infection caused significant damage to Breelyn’s brain, leaving her with long-term challenges. Though she still enjoys many of the activities that other kids do, like listening to Elvis Presley and playing with her brother, her life has been irreversibly affected. Breelyn’s mom shared that despite the immense difficulties, her daughter is a “social butterfly” with a warm and loving personality.
But this didn’t come without a heavy emotional toll. Breelyn’s mother and stepfather had to come to terms with the fact that her condition could have been prevented with more awareness. They shared this story not out of bitterness but as a cautionary tale, hoping that other parents can avoid similar heartache by setting boundaries.
Why Kissing Babies on the Mouth Can Be Dangerous
While kissing a newborn on the mouth is often seen as a gesture of affection, it can introduce germs and viruses that the baby’s body cannot handle. Herpes simplex virus is particularly dangerous because it can be transmitted even if the person has no visible cold sore.
Cold sores and herpes lesions are contagious through skin-to-skin contact, so when someone with an active infection kisses a baby, the virus can spread and lead to serious complications. According to the NHS, people with visible cold sores should avoid close contact with infants and take precautions to reduce the risk of transmission.
Precautionary Measures for Protecting Newborns
Breelyn’s family now advocates for greater awareness of the potential dangers that cold sores and herpes infections pose to babies. The NHS and other health organizations recommend the following precautions:
- Avoid Kissing Babies on the Mouth: Anyone with a cold sore or herpes infection should avoid kissing babies, particularly on or around the face.
- Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands before holding a baby, and encourage others to do the same. This minimizes the risk of spreading infections.
- Cover Cold Sores and Lesions: If someone has a visible cold sore or other signs of herpes, they should cover the area and avoid contact with the baby until the sore has healed completely.
- Be Cautious with Visitors: While it’s exciting to introduce your newborn to family and friends, it’s okay to set boundaries and ask visitors not to kiss your baby. It’s a simple way to keep them safe and healthy.
Credit: Special Books by Special Kids/Youtube
By following these steps, parents can protect their infants from unnecessary exposure to harmful germs and viruses. Breelyn’s mom now emphasizes the importance of these measures, sharing her story in hopes of raising awareness and encouraging others to be proactive in safeguarding their newborns.
Forgiving and Moving Forward
While the person who kissed Breelyn as a newborn unknowingly caused this situation, Breelyn’s mom has chosen to forgive. She expressed that though she harbored anger for years, she ultimately realized that the person responsible had no idea about the risks involved. This compassionate outlook reflects her desire to move forward, finding peace by spreading awareness and educating others.
Her message to other parents is clear: don’t be afraid to advocate for your child’s safety. Setting boundaries isn’t about being rude; it’s about protecting your child’s health. Breelyn’s family hopes that by sharing their story, they can prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy.
Conclusion: The Importance of Awareness and Boundaries
Breelyn’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how something as simple as a kiss can have life-changing consequences. While her family continues to cherish her resilience and vibrant personality, they also feel a responsibility to share their experience as a warning to others. This story highlights the need for caution when interacting with newborns, as well as the importance of educating friends and family members about the potential risks.
As parents, it’s essential to take precautions and set boundaries that prioritize a newborn’s health and safety. By spreading awareness about the risks associated with cold sores and herpes infections, we can all play a part in protecting the youngest and most vulnerable members of our families. So the next time you’re tempted to plant a kiss on a newborn’s face, remember Breelyn’s story and opt for a gentle smile instead.
