An Irish mum has issued a stark warning about the dangers of kissing babies after her little boy contracted herpes simplex from a cold sore, leading to severe health complications.

Jed Scanlon was whisked off to hospital by his distraught parents Amanda, 39, and David, 40, when he developed a high fever.

The three year old was diagnosed with herpes simplex and encephalitis, a devastating twist that led to substantial learning issues following brain damage caused by the virus.

Amanda, from Derry, reminisces how Jed was excelling and surpassing his developmental markers before the age of six months.

She revealed: "When he was diagnosed, I didn't realise the complications he was going to be left with", reports the Irish Mirror.

The virus attacked his brain instead of the immune system and left him with an acquired brain injury.

"He has significant brain damage to his temple lobes and a rare form of epilepsy caused by the damage."

Amanda shared their heartbreak, saying: "They didn't know if he'd be able to walk or talk. We were absolutely devastated. We couldn't believe it. We were in shock.

"I knew cold sores were dangerous but I didn't know the extent to leave someone with brain damage."

Currently, Jed experiences nightly seizures and is unable to speak.

While doctors are striving to manage Jed's epilepsy, the uncertainty of his future remains a daunting concern.

Determined to help her son, Jed undergoes a variety of therapies, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy.

Amanda, who works as a housekeeper at the hospital, reflects on the past: "Before this, he was thriving.

"He was flipping himself over, cruising through his milestones, and he was incredibly bright. At just five months old, Jed could even give me a high five, which is quite remarkable.

"When he was diagnosed, it wasn't a great prognosis. They hadn't met any cases like Jed and they didn't have a great outlook on his life.

"He has development delays and he's non verbal. We don't know what his future looks like.

"He can walk and finger feed himself. Jed is full of life and he's constantly up to mischief.

"You need eyes on the back of your head to watch him."

Amanda, who regularly updates followers about Jed's condition on her TikTok page Jedsjourney to draw attention to his situation, emphasised the risk of cold sores for infants.

She said: "I want to raise awareness of how dangerous cold sores can actually be.

"Don't kiss anyone's baby even if you don't have a cold sore, especially not on the lips.

"It never crossed my mind not to let people kiss him, I just made people wash their hands but cold sores never came into my head.

"We don't remember Jed being around anyone with a cold sore but you don't need to be able to see the coldsore to have the virus.

"Once you get the virus it lives dormant and can flare up any time.

"Me and David don't get cold sores and never have.

"We try not to dwell on where he picked it up from because it won't achieve much.

"Babies could also get the virus from someone sneezing or coughing around him. You have to be really careful."

Source: RSVP Live