Fever Blisters

After exchanging our traditional ” kiss ” for happy new year, is it possible to have caught a fever blisters ? The labial infection (around the mouth) nicknamed fever blisters or cold sores is viral origin. Herpes Simplex virus type 1 is the leading cause. This virus, similar to the one that causes genital herpes infections (herpes simplex type 2), will cause tingling vesicles in a small area, usually around the lip of the mouth. We must understand that we catch this virus only once in our life. Even if the lesions disappear, the virus will never leave our body. He will rather hide in a ganglion nearby and reappear on different occasions. Thus, we will probably fight, several times, the same virus that seems to come back and come back to haunt us !

This type of infection can affect both children and adults  !

Some will be in contact with it but will never develop symptoms, as their immune system will take over the virus. Being a benign infection, a cold sores attack lasts on average only 5 to 10 days without treatment. On the other hand, there are on the market, over-the-counter, various products to accelerate its recovery (ABREVA, Lipactin, Polysporin patches).

trigger factors

Some factors are more likely to trigger a new cold sore episode :

• Fever

• Significant exposure to summer sun

• Winter mouth dryness

• Significant fatigue

• Treatment at the dentist

remember well

If you have ever seen a doctor or nurse practitioner (IPS) and received treatment for herpes labialis in the last four years, you do not have to see a doctor again. Just visit our pharmacist without an appointment. Following an assessment, he may prescribe the same treatment covered by your insurance.

Generally, on prescription, you will be given tablets

(Valtrex, Famvir, Zovirax) that you must swallow at the first symptoms to prevent the virus from multiplying and shorten the duration of symptoms. You can take up to 6 treatments a year. Beyond that, it is even suggested to provide a preventive treatment daily.