Question 1

how long after birth from an infected hsv 2 mother can the newborn show symptoms if she/he has infection?

Accepted Answer

Hsv2: Most infants exposed to hsv2 show symptoms between 2-12 days.

Question 2

why do newborns get repeated infections?

Accepted Answer

Newborn infections: Newborns should not be getting repeated infections - this is not normal. If you are asking why infants get sick a lot, it's because you are not born with immunity to disease - your body develops these as you are exposed to various germs. Over a lifetime your body builds up an immune system. They are starting from scratch, and need to develop there immune system. They aren't born walking either!

Question 3

what are some life-threatening neonatal infections?

Accepted Answer

Usually Bacterial: Group B Streptococcus has declined in frequency as a fatal infection since the OB's can treat a GBS positive mother before delivery. However there are other infections such as E Coli, Listeria, Klebseilla, and others that can be life threatening. Herpes (viral) can be devastating for an infant.  Infection does not occur too often.

Question 4

how are infections in moms transmitted to newborns besides coughing and touching?

Accepted Answer

Breast milk: Secretions are the main way that bacteria and viruses can be passed from mother to newborn.  Secretions from your nose, mouth, and even breastmilk.  Breast milk, however, carries lots of antibodies that protects the baby.

Question 5

what are common bacterial infections in newborns?

Accepted Answer

See below: Streptococcus agalactiae, aka, group b strep., escherichia coli, and staphylococcus aureus are major culprits. They are responsible for neonatal sepsis (blood poisoning), meningitis, pneumonia, uti, and bone and joint infection.

Question 6

are bacterial infections worse for a newborn?

Accepted Answer

Depends on germ/kid: The newborn represents a problem because of exposure to germs in a specialized way. The bag of waters surrounds baby & keeps germs out during pregnancy but when open, the birth canal may allow moms poop germs to climb into the babies area and attach. Later they may dig in and grow fast without showing signs. By the time baby seems sick (gbs) the infection may be so far along that nothing will help.

Question 7

is my newborn at higher risk for staphylococcal infections?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If you have a normal newborn, i don't consider it more at risk of staph than other kids or adults.If it has a rare immune defect (there are a few) it is possible. In fact most newborns acquire a friendly staph on their skin by the time they are a day old and regular hygenic practices like bathing and monitoring the cord stump seem to avoid any problems.A nasty staph could cause pbm at any age.

Question 8

will a streptococcal infection harm my newborn child?

Accepted Answer

It can be fatal: The strep most discussed with newborns is not that of throat infections but a strep that commonly hangs out in the moist areas of a womans bottom. Group b strep is found in ~1/3 of women off & on &can be carried without symptoms.After the bag surrounding baby breaks, the germ may get in, or baby may grab some on the way out the birth canal.It can invade or not(most don't) ; cause illness or death.

Question 9

what're the health risk of a newborn with urine infection?

Accepted Answer

See below: Most of the time, there are no serious problems, other than the uti. However, the child may develop sepsis, where the bacteria causing the UTI is in the blood stream. Sepsis can be dangerous. We recently had a 5 week old in our practice pass away from sepsis.

Question 10

is a congenital infection of chickenpox dangerous to a newborn baby?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Infection in the first 20 wks can result in fetal death or damage.During the 2nd 20 wks an inapparent varicella may occur with unexplained zoster in infancy. It can be fatal if mom develops it from 5 days before to 2 days after delivery.Close consultation with your physician can reduce your chance of a bad outcome by early identification and treatment of treatable issues.See aap/redbook/varicella.

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Doctor answers about:

Symptoms of newborn infections

A member asked:

How long after birth from an infected hsv 2 mother can the newborn show symptoms if she/he has infection?

A member asked:

Why do newborns get repeated infections?

A member asked:

What are some life-threatening neonatal infections?

A member asked:

How are infections in moms transmitted to newborns besides coughing and touching?

A member asked:

What are common bacterial infections in newborns?

A member asked:

Are bacterial infections worse for a newborn?

A member asked:

Is my newborn at higher risk for staphylococcal infections?

A member asked:

Will a streptococcal infection harm my newborn child?

A member asked:

What're the health risk of a newborn with urine infection?

A member asked:

Is a congenital infection of chickenpox dangerous to a newborn baby?

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