An Irish mother is urging the public to avoid kissing babies on the lips, sharing the heartbreaking story of her son who contracted the herpes simplex virus through a cold sore.

Jed Scanlon, a three-year-old boy, was rushed to the hospital by his parents after developing a high fever. Doctors diagnosed him with herpes simplex and encephalitis, resulting in severe learning difficulties due to brain damage.

Before falling ill, Jed was meeting all developmental milestones until six months old. The virus attacked his brain instead of his immune system, leaving him with an acquired brain injury and a rare form of epilepsy.

Despite ongoing seizures and speech difficulties, Jed is undergoing therapy treatments. His mother, Amanda, emphasizes the dangers of cold sores and the importance of avoiding kissing newborns on the lips.

Amanda shares Jed's journey on TikTok to raise awareness about the risks associated with cold sores and urges caution when interacting with infants.