Should we forbid loved ones from kissing our child in the event of an epidemic?

Faced with the scale of the flu epidemic in France this year, young parents are faced with the dilemma of how to protect their baby without falling into paranoia Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the inevitable question has arisen in times of contagion: should we ban family and friends kissing our bodies What are the real risks and how can we adapt to prevention recommendations?

Significant infectious risk

According to Dr. Arno Pfersdorff, pediatric intensivist and author The first indications for the use of a child (1), the answer is clear and unambiguous. yes, during an epidemic, physical contact, such as kissing, with a child should be limited. And for good reason, their vulnerability to infectious risks is greatest during the first weeks of life. It is necessary to wait three months for the adaptive immunity to fully develop,” explains the doctor.

But how can a harmless kiss put him at risk? Dr. Arno Pfersdorf reminds us that this gesture of love remains a very common vector for the transmission of germs, and the baby’s face is one of the areas most exposed to infection because of the secretions it leaves behind,” she notes. Imagine your face covered in glitter if you kiss the baby’s cheek, even quickly you will inevitably leave a shine on his skin, which will then spread everywhere, in his eyes, mouth, hands… Well, germs work the same way.

Some babies are more likely to be affected by this pollution. “Premature babies, those with heart disease or a history of disease have a particularly fragile immune system and are at greater risk even after the first three months,” cautions the pediatrician whether these particular factors are of concern or not, as a precautionary measure, physical distancing should continue for all. “Until adolescence, the child remains vulnerable, therefore it is necessary to continue to protect him,” he insists.

Give warmth without risk

Needless to say, it can be very difficult for a parent not to kiss their child. The same goes for grandparents who can’t resist the urge to kiss their grandchildren. “If the urge to kiss them is too strong, you can do it less sensitively areas such as the back, neck or head. But absolutely avoid kissing the hands, because the baby has a habit of plowing the face with it,” advises the health worker.

If the urge to kiss her is too strong, you can do it in less sensitive areas such as the back, neck or head.

Dr. Arno Pfersdorf, pediatrician

If the restrictive kiss is still on the list of the main prohibition gestures, there are others that are just as important. “In addition to wearing a mask when sick and coughing, vaccination is important to protect yourself and protect the population at risk,” assures Dr. Arno Pfersdorf. : This should be made known to loved ones, especially grandparents. And this does not only apply to the flu, whooping cough is also a real danger for babies. Since hands are the main vector of transmission, “it is necessary to wash them before touching the child, especially after handling objects or going outside,” adds the pediatrician.

Empower your loved ones!

And if young parents may feel uncomfortable asking their loved ones to respect these rules, Arnaud Pfersdorf encourages them to remain caring without dramatizing it. with a message like “you’re going to see our most precious possession.” The key is to hold loved ones accountable without feeling guilty, and to let them know that it is for the welfare of the little one,” he sums up.

We should also not forget to raise awareness among siblings, whose social life (school, kindergarten, etc.) can facilitate the transmission of viruses. And in the event that the basic rules of hygiene are quickly forgotten, the pediatrician recommends a simple but effective advice: “regularly wash the clothes of the elderly or change them upon returning home to limit the spread of germs in contact with the child. As you will understand when we are faced with an epidemic, prevention is the key. Add a little patience and a lot of love, even looking behind the mask, to get your little one through this ordeal safely.

(1) The first indications for the use of a child by Arnault Pfersdorff, published by Hachette, 352 pages, €24.95.