There is a cognitive bias called “the curse of knowledge” (sometimes also “the curse of experience”). It occurs when we mistakenly assume that everyone knows as much as we do about a certain topic. For example, as a clinical microbiologist, I assumed that everyone knew this AndIt’s a terrible idea to kiss someone newborn anywhere on the head.
Dr Karan Raj, a surgeon with the UK’s national Health Service, recently made a video on the topic TikTok warn people about the dangers of kissing a child and, judging by the thousands of comments, this was news to many on the social network.
Late last year, a British charity called The Lullaby Trust published the results of a survey revealing that 54% of new and expecting parents “would let friends and family kiss their newborn, without being aware of the risk of serious infections”.
But why is it so risky?
A baby’s immune system is not fully developed at birth, so the risk of contracting a serious infection is much higher.
during the first three months or so of life, the human immune system has fewer infection-fighting innate immune cells, such as neutrophils and monocytes, than adults. This means that infections that cause mild symptoms in adults or older children can be life-threatening for newborns.
The infection from herpes virus is an example of this. In adults,herpes causes cold sores,but newborns can become seriously ill immediately after contracting the virus.If herpes affects only the eyes, mouth, or skin, moast recover after antiviral treatment. But if the virus becomes systemic and affects the organs, the infection is much more serious and can even be fatal. The younger the baby, the more vulnerable he is to herpes infection, especially in the first four weeks after birth.
Even newborns they are more vulnerable to infectious bacteria compared to older children and adults. Especially infections with intracellular pathogens (bacteria that can enter and survive inside the cells of the host organism), such as group B streptococci (GBS).These bacteria usually live in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts of their hosts without causing disease. GBS infections in children cause sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections.
Children are also susceptible to infections with strains of E. coli that are not harmful to adults, causing pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis, all of which can have serious consequences.
Show affection in a confident way
Parents of very young children should not feel uncomfortable asking visitors to avoid kissing or touching their child. If the visitor truly cares about the child’s well-being, he should not feel offended by the request. And parents shouldn’t feel like they’re overreacting.
The kindest action of any visitor is do not endanger the childbut if you have to kiss him for a good reason, there are some things that can reduce the danger of infection.
First, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly.And avoid giving him a kiss on the mouth or face; do it on the foot or the back of the neck. If you have an active infection of any kind, think about whether it is really necessary to visit your newborn, especially if he is less than a month old.
Herpes infections are especially serious for very young children, so cover any cold sores with a dressing.
If you are not feeling well but think you cannot miss the visit, wear a mask and avoid getting close to the childespecially if you have a respiratory disease.
Always keep in mind that children are very vulnerable to infections. While kissing is a sign of affection, it can make a newborn very ill, and you would feel terrible if that happened.
This article was originally published in The conversation.
How can parents effectively communicate the importance of avoiding kisses too family and friends?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr.Karan raj
time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr.Karan Raj, and thank you for joining us today to discuss a crucial topic that many new parents might not be aware of—the risks associated with kissing newborns. Your TikTok video on this subject has certainly sparked a lot of conversations. Can you start by explaining the concept of the “curse of knowledge” as it relates to this issue?
Dr. Karan Raj (DKR): Thank you for having me! The “curse of knowledge” is an fascinating cognitive bias where we assume others have the same level of understanding about a topic as we do. as a notable example, as a clinical microbiologist and surgeon, I sometimes forget that not everyone knows the medical reasons behind why kissing a newborn can be dangerous. It becomes easy to forget that when we gain experience, we might overlook significant information that others aren’t aware of.
TNE: That’s a fascinating insight! Your TikTok video highlighted the specific dangers of kissing newborns. can you elaborate on what these dangers are?
DKR: Absolutely.Newborns have underdeveloped immune systems,which makes them notably vulnerable to infections.When adults kiss a baby, they might unknowingly transmit viruses and bacteria, which could lead to serious health risks. In fact, during the frist few months of life, a baby’s immune system is substantially less equipped to handle infections than that of an adult.What might seem like a harmless gesture can, sadly, put the baby at risk for severe illnesses.
TNE: In your video, you cited a survey from The Lullaby Trust which revealed that over half of new parents believed it was safe to allow friends and family to kiss their newborns. Why do you think there is such a widespread misconception?
DKR: This misconception often stems from cultural norms and personal experiences.many people view kissing as a natural expression of love and affection without considering the health implications. The lack of awareness about the baby’s vulnerability and the invisible nature of many pathogens contribute to this risk. Education and open communication between healthcare professionals and parents are crucial to help bridge this knowledge gap.
TNE: your video clearly resonated with many viewers, as seen in the thousands of comments.What where some of the most surprising reactions or questions you received?
DKR: The range of reactions was quite enlightening. Many people expressed shock at the information, sharing their previous beliefs about the safety of kissing babies. Some viewers even recounted experiences where they had mentioned their concerns to family members, only to be dismissed. It highlighted the need for more public awareness campaigns. I also saw some questions regarding what other common practices might also be harmful to newborns, which shows that people are eager to learn.
TNE: That’s a great point! What advice would you offer new parents to help them protect their newborns while still allowing their loved ones to show affection?
DKR: It’s all about finding a balance. Encourage friends and family to show love in ways that don’t involve kissing—like gentle cuddling or waving. It’s critically important for parents to set boundaries and communicate clearly about their baby’s health. Informing loved ones about the risks can help create a safer environment for the infant. Additionally, everyone should be reminded to wash their hands and avoid close contact if they are feeling unwell.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Raj, for sharing your expertise. This conversation is so vital for keeping our youngest and most vulnerable safe. We appreciate your time and insights!
DKR: Thank you for having me! let’s continue spreading awareness to keep our newborns healthy.