Baby and toddler cheeks are very adorable and always tempting to kiss. However, you need to realize that kissing a baby or toddler is very risky for them to contract an infection or experience certain reactions.

The following are diseases that children can experience because other people kiss babies or toddlers:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a viral infection that targets the lungs and respiratory system. It's a widespread illness, often affecting children by the age of 2.

This respiratory virus is particularly common among children, especially those with a higher risk of exposure and reinfection, such as infants under 12 months old or premature babies with weaker immune systems. Their vulnerability to RSV stems from close contact with infected individuals, like through kissing or touching, leading to the transmission of the virus.

Hand, Food, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Hand, foot, and mouth disease, also known as the Singapore flu, is a viral infection commonly seen in children. Its primary symptoms include mouth ulcers and a reddish rash on the hands and feet. Babies and toddlers with Singapore flu often exhibit additional symptoms like fever, sore throat, irritability, and decreased appetite.

The typical onset of symptoms occurs within 3–6 days after exposure to the virus. The rash develops after the onset of fever and may also appear on the buttocks, typically noticed during diaper changes or bathing.

While HFMD  is usually not severe in adults or older children, it can pose risks for dehydration in young babies due to fever. The virus spreads easily through direct contact, such as kissing, or through respiratory droplets from infected individuals coughing or sneezing.

Herpes simplex

Many infants contract herpes simplex, primarily transmitted from mothers to babies. However, some infants may acquire it through contact with an infected person's kiss.

Herpes simplex infection in infants is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can have lasting health consequences. Its impact varies, ranging from skin involvement to severe cases causing brain inflammation and spreading to multiple organs such as the liver, lungs, brain, and kidneys.

Infants with herpes simplex may appear irritable and develop rashes or blisters on their skin. In severe cases, they may experience breathing difficulties, jaundice, or increased susceptibility to bleeding.

Allergic reactions

A baby's skin is highly sensitive, and it is prone to allergic reactions when exposed to certain substances like soap, detergent, food, cosmetics, and more. Common allergic reactions in babies include hives, bumps, vomiting, coughing, or diarrhea.

Although most allergies in babies resolve with time, they can cause discomfort, itching, and fussiness throughout the day.

To prevent exposure to these allergens, it's important to avoid kissing or pinching your baby without hesitation. Always maintain clean hands by washing them before touching your baby, consider using a mask, and protect your baby's environment from pollution or potential infection risks.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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