A mother is warning parents about the hidden dangers of cold sores after her two-year-old son, Juwan, lost his sight in one eye. The toddler contracted the herpes simplex virus from a simple kiss, leading to a severe infection that permanently damaged his cornea.
The ordeal began when Juwan developed what looked like a minor eye infection. Within days, the virus caused a painful open wound on his eyeball. The damage was so extensive that he lost all vision in that eye. Doctors eventually had to sew his eyelid shut to protect the organ from further harm.
Medical experts believe the virus was transferred by someone with an active cold sore. While these blisters are often just a minor nuisance for adults, they can be devastating for young children. Because a toddler’s immune system is still developing, the virus can spread quickly to vital organs or delicate areas like the eyes.
Juwan’s family is now preparing for complex surgery to repair the nerves in his eye. They hope this will eventually allow for a transplant to restore his sight. His mother urges all parents to set firm boundaries, advising that friends and relatives should never kiss a baby on the face or hands.
To keep children safe, the NHS recommends strict hand hygiene for anyone with a cold sore. If a baby becomes lethargic, develops a fever, or stops feeding, parents should seek medical help immediately. Acting quickly is vital, as a child’s health can decline rapidly once infected.
