newborn exposed to grandparent's herpes simplex 1 virus

[mamaonthefarm]

Hi-
My mother has a cold sore on her mouth (herpes simplex 1) and had casually been handling my 2-week-old. I have read horrible things about herpes simplex 1 causing death in most newborns who contract it. Google it and you will see. I am freaking out here. Anyone know anything about this? My mother didn't have any lip to lip contact with my baby. Yet, I am worried. What should I do? How likely is it that my baby would contract this?
Thanks in advance

[possum]

As I understand it, it is fairly unlikely (though possible) to transmit cold sores without direct contact. Do you get cold sores? If so, you should be passing antibodies to your baby through your milk.

Melinda

[mamaonthefarm]

Thanks, Melinda-
I've never had cold sores myself but I am hoping that I have antibodies in milk for it anyway.