Cold Sore & 1 Month Old...

There are nothing but horror stories online, so do yourself a favor and stay away from Google.
I am like you, cold sores occasionally since childhood and got one when my son was only a few weeks old. I was concerned because I know the Herpes virus in infants becomes systemic, I was nursing and I am a big kisser. I used alcohol on a cotton ball to dry it up followed with Abreva every chance I got, took oil of oregano and put that on the cold sore also (natural anti-viral), I washed my hands religiously, changed my pillowcase often, stopped nursing him while sitting in my bed, made sure he didn't touch my face and no kisses anywhere until it was totally healed, not a tiny bit of scab left even. I kept a close eye on him for signs of any illness-cold symptoms, high fever, not just sores on his mouth-prepared to run him to the doctor immediately if he displayed any symptoms.
He was fine and I started taking Lysine supplements to prevent another breakout, at the suggestion of his pediatrician, who also battled cold sores. You're more prone to get them when stressed, hormonal and sleep deprived, as all mothers are.
Be very cautious, keep vigilant and if he does show signs of illness, take him to the doctor and tell them he might have been exposed to Herpes. Other than that, call his pediatrician if it will help you stay calm and try to just ride this out.
Good luck!!

I'm not sure if Valtrex would pass through breastmilk. It is so worth calling your dr asap to ask for it for the cold sore, and ask if they'll sign your up for at least 1 refill in case you need it again. The earlier you take it the better, especially if you take in the first 48hrs. If you take it at the first tingle, you can stop it in it's tracks...even if it's later, it will dramatically speed the healing. There's also an oinment they can prescribe that significantly decreases healing time. I've had fever blisters for years. I can go a long time without an outbreak or I might get them every month from hormones. I hate them, but I swear by Valtrex.

I believe that over 90% of the USA population has that virus in them. If you have it, your children will be exposed at some point. That said, I probably wouldn't go kissing your baby all over until it is healed up a bit. Both my husband and I get cold soars and so far our children have not had an out break. knock on wood.
There is an anti viral medication that you can take at the onset of an outbreak. It is Acycloveir (sp??) It can stop an outbreak if you take is right when you start getting the tingling feeling on your lip, and it will shorten and decrease the severity.
Dont worry

I truly have no idea about cold sores as I have never had one, but don't read stories on the internet - they will freak you out LOL I am sure you can find a "my kid died from a _____" for just about any topic. Like my son died from broccoli. Call Monday I don't think there is anything they could do over the weekend.

Do yourself a favor and quit looking online for information. You will only scare yourself into a heart attack.

I, too, have suffered with cold sores since I was a child and have even had shingles. NO ONE ELSE in my family has ever had either, not my children, not my husband, none of my other family members who lived in close proximity when I was a kid. Not so much as a cold sore.

Just keep your hands clean, don't put his paci in your mouth and reserve kisses until your cold sore clears up.

Try not to panic.

Best wishes.

i was worried about this since my ex and his family get them and my ex's parents believed it was genetic when my daughter was born and didn't like precautions

J. an FYI
The virus cant live in the cold so after washing your hands finish with cold water and do that before changing diapers or preparing for him to nurse when you have an active sore and no kissing when an active sore. Also,
when nothing was present until 12 weeks we followed the rules of no kissing on the lips anyway but kissing everywhere else with no broken skin was fine. My ex was paranoid and probably didnt kiss much the 1st 12 weeks- but he got them ALOT at that time)
after 12 weeks RELAX the consequences go down ten fold
My daughter is 5 and still hasnt gotten one. We have since convinced my ex's parents it is contageous after all other kids and grandkids got them (didn't help since they thought it was genetic)