Symptom Checker: Cold Sores and Fever

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Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Cold sores and fever frequently appear together. Because of this, cold sores are also called fever blisters. Cold sores are actually caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). This is not the sexually transmitted herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes) but many lifelong HSV-1 cold sore sufferers can testify to the stigma they have felt picking up a prescription for the antiviral prescription Valtrex, which is used to treat both types of herpes. The virus can be hereditary or transmitted by physical contact. Kissing, using someone’s lipstick or toothbrush, or other oral contact are common methods of transmitting HSV-1.

Cold sores are common and need to be treated at the first sign. The herpes virus can have a delayed response, meaning those exposed to herpes may not see an outbreak for up to 20 days after exposure, which can make it difficult to identify the source. Herpes can also be spread even after the skin has healed. The virus lies dormant in the nerves of the skin around the mouth until the next onset.

Treatment for Cold Sores and Fever

To treat cold sores and fever, it is important to understand the causes to prevent cold sores from occurring. Fever, sun exposure, dehydration, poor nutrition, stress, menstruation, and other physical or emotional trauma cause cold sores. If cold sores are not caught at the first sign, sufferers can expect them to last 7- 10 days on average. Most cold sores, even when brought on by fever, can be treated at home. Topical creams can be applied to speed the healing process. Cold sores and fever sufferers should take care of themselves by eating well, avoiding the sun, resting, drinking plenty of water, and getting at least 8 hours of sleep at night. If cold sores do not go away or go away and immediately reoccur this may be a sign of a compromised immune system and medical treatment should be sought immediately. If cold sores and fever over 100.5 degrees occur together, medical treatment should be sought. Besides taking care of themselves, cold sore sufferers should take care to avoid children, the elderly, cancer and AIDS patients or others with compromised immune systems as these individuals are highly susceptible to infection.

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