Do you suffer from cold sores or the herpes simplex virus? If so, you are certainly not alone. An estimated 100 million Americans have acquired the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) which causes cold sores. These mouth sores can be a real pain to say the least. A cold sore is a small reddish or purple blister that is the end result of the herpes virus flaring up in your body. There are two types of Herpes Simplex Virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Let s take a look at the differences between the two and how they can affect you.
HSV-2
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 is the strain of the virus that causes genital herpes. Approximately 22% of American adults have HSV-2. What is even more frightening is the fact that two thirds of them do not even realize it and can be continuing to further spread the virus. It is spread by those who are having an active outbreak having unprotected sex with those who do not have it. With that said though, even having protected sex offers no guarantee that the virus will not be passed.
HSV-1
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 is the form of herpes that causes mouth sores. Because the herpes simplex virus is highly contagious, you should always avoid skin-to-skin contact with an open cold sore in order to avoid getting the virus.
Also, any kind of herpes virus is dangerous to newborns. It can easily be spread to the baby in the first weeks of life if he or she is kissed by someone with an active cold sore (oral herpes).
Early action in treating a cold sore during the initial tingling or burning stage may help in stopping the blister from forming, or help the cold sore heal faster once it has formed. They will generally clear up without treatment in seven to 10 days. Most people don t need treatment, since they go away on their own, but some over the counter medications can offer some relief. The key with these medicines is to begin treatment before the blister appears. If you wait until after it has already formed or broken open, it will be too late.
Keep in mind that cold sores are extremely contagious until they have completely healed and the affected skin has returned to normal. But even then there is still the possibility of spreading the virus for some time even after the skin has healed. If for any reason you don t see complete healing within 2 weeks, or it gets worse, talk to your doctor about the best way of treating a cold sore.
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