Cold sores are highly contagious.
In this article:
What are cold sores?
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
How Chemist Online can help
Advice & Support
What are cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by a virus called the herpes herpes simplex Virus">simplex virus (HSV-1).
It is impossible to prevent cold sores, but most cases are mild and clear up after a week or two. Thats said, many people find them unsightly and so those with cold sores can be self-conscious or even embarrassed about them.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cold sores include:
Blister-like lesions around the mouth
An accompanying sore throat
Swollen glands
Fever-like symptoms
In children under five, where a cold sore develops this may be accompanied by a range of associated symptoms which can include:
Nausea
Headaches
Fever
Dehydration
Sore throat
Swollen glands
Causes
Cold sores are usually passed on from one person to another through close contact, such as kissing. The sores are highly contagious and it is not uncommon for an entire family to develop cold sores after a family gathering, such as a wedding, birthday party or christening where relatives greet each other and part by kissing. It only takes one person infected with the herpes simplex virus in the group for the virus to spread. This is why; if you do have a cold sore (or several) it is best to avoid close contact with others unless your symptoms have completely cleared up.
The Essay on Cold Symptoms Stress Immune Virus
... increase the risk of becoming infected by respiratory viruses and developing cold symptoms. Participants in the research were chosen by ... experienced the greatest stress and respond to virus with severe cold symptoms. They are no drugs available to block ... rated the severity of the cold symptoms. These consisted of sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, sore throat, cough, headache, chilliness, ...
Other possible causes of cold sores include:
An injury to the mouth
Menstruation
Sudden emotional upset (through being involved in a traumatic event or receiving bad news, for example)
Being under continual psychological stress – this can be as a result of having to reach a sales target at work, for example, or through worrying about family finances at home
Overwhelming tiredness and fatigue
Cold sores can also develop as a result of having oral sex with someone who has genital herpes.
Diagnosis
Most people self-diagnose cold sores and are able to treat their symptoms with over-the-counter remedies. However, if you are particularly concerned about your cold sores, or you have several of them, arrange to see your GP.
After taking your medical history and asking you some questions about your cold sores and associated symptoms (such as, when did your cold sore(s) develop and how often do they occur…) your GP will examine the affected area. If your cold sores are particularly severe you may be asked to agree to a blood test in order for the diagnosis to be confirmed (i.e., that the herpes simplex virus is present and therefore the underlying cause of your condition.)
Treatment
As we have seen, most cases of cold sores can be treated successfully with over-the-counter remedies. However, where these are unsuccessful your GP may prescribe antiviral tablets and refer you to a specialist for treatment.
How Chemist Online can help
Through this website we have a range of treatments available to buy which can help ease the symptoms of cold sores.
We can also offer you a range of over-the-counter remedies which can help ease associated symptoms, such as headache and feverishness.
www.chemistonline.co.uk
Advice & Support
Herpes Viruses Association
Helpline: 0845 123 2305
Website: www.herpes.org.uk
This information and advice is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or chemist. Chemist Online is also not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based upon the content of the Chemist Online website. Chemist Online is also not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.
The Essay on The Cold War And U.S. Diplomacy 3
The Reagan Doctrine was the foreign policy in the United States, enacted by President Ronald Reagan. The doctrine was design to eradicate the communist governments in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that were authorized and corroborated by the Soviet Union. This assignment will review by what method the United States delivered open and private backing to guerrilla and resistance movements during ...
