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Cold Sores - We can erradicate this problem
Cold Sore Facts
So what are Cold Sores?
Medical professionals classify them as one of the forms of the herpies virus - "Oral Herpies, the visible symptoms of which are colloquially called cold sores or fever blisters, infects the face and mouth. Oral herpes is the most common form of infection".
This means - The cold sore virus is never completely eliminated by the body's defenses. For this reason, cold sores often return during periods of stress.
So what do we know about Cold Sores?
The Herpes viruses cycle between periods of active disease—presenting as blisters containing infectious virus particles—that last 2–21 days, followed by a remission period.
So what does this mean - Cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores that appear on the lips, mouth or nose. The sores can be painful and usually last a few days to a couple of weeks.
So how do people get Cold Sores?
Herpies is most easily transmitted by direct contact with a lesion or the body fluid of an infected individual. Infection occurs when the virus comes into contact with oral mucosa or abraded skin
This means - If someone who has the tingling feeling of an oncoming cold sore or has a cold sore then that person is infectious. (all the way up until the coldsore is completely healed and there is no longer any trace of it). This means they can pass it to anyone who hasn't got the virus.
So if someone who is infectious comes around and kisses your baby on the lips (or anywhere as it can be spread to other areas) then your baby has between a 98% - 99% chance of getting the virus. Sadly the virus is normally given to babies and little children by unthinking, unknowing or uncareing adults.
What's the History of cold sores?
Herpes has been known for at least 2,000 years.
42 BC – AD 37 - It is said that Emperor Tiberius banned kissing in Rome for a time due to so many people having cold sores.
In the 16th century - Romeo and Juliet, it is mentioned that there are blisters "o'er ladies' lips."
In 18th century - it was so common among prostitutes that it was called "a vocational disease of women."
Is there a cure?
Sadly a cure for herpes has not yet been developed. Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life.
So how do we get rid of this virus for good?
In fact it is quite easy and can be eradicated from our population in less than 200 years. All people need to do is not kiss anyone anywhere if they have the tingling feeling or have or are getting over a cold sore. It truly is as simple as making sure people are aware of how it is transferred and for those people who have the virus to be aware of when they are infectious. sounds very simple doesn't it.
Also please teach your children not to share cosmetics, straws, water bottles, razors and other personal items as these items may also carry the virus from an infected person to a non infected person.
Please remember to wash your hands after touching your sore as you can spread the virus from your infected hand to another person or to food etc.
Lastly throw away your toothbrush after you have had a cold sore as your toothbrush will hold the infection upon it. This makes a good argument for everyone to have there own toothbrush container doesn't it. Do not wipe the toothpaste onto your toothbrush as this will infect the toothpaste. In fact it is best to have your own toothpaste.
I personally don't have this virus but one of my friends children got it because their uncle did not know this information. It truly is awful to watch a little one having to grow up with this virus and that is why I wrote this. If I can save a child from this virus then I have done something really worthwhile.
There are many things you can use to help heal or lessen the effects of a cold sore including aromatherapy oils. If people wish me to add this information let me know and I will be glad to do so.
What treatments are there
This part of my hub has taken longer to write as I wanted to ask what worked best for people.
Abreva ~ Comes in both a tube and a pump and most people say it helps to lessen the time and effects of cold sores especially if used as soon as one gets that tingly feeling.
Zovirax ~ Comes in a cream and again most people say it lessens the time and effects of cold sores.
Compeed cold sore patch ~ If your working and wish to hide your cold-sore this is a great way to do it as you an wear lipstick over your patch. The patches do have some medication upon them though it seams that it doesn't really lessen the time of your outbreak that much with most people saying the outbreak still lasts 5-7 days.
Natural Treatments
Ice ~ Putting a piece of ice into a piece of glad-wrap can lessen the pain, itchiness and bring down the swelling. It won't lessen the time of the cold-sore but it can make it feel better for a time. don't forget to throw your glad-wrap and ice away carefully.
Apple cider vinegar ... or ... Tea tree oil ... or ... Vitamin E oil ~ If you want you can try applying any one of these as soon as you feel the tingling feeling as there are people who swear by them.
Licorice ~ Chew on a licorice strap as it can stop the outbreak from occurring. You need to make sure the licorice your eating is actually made from real licorice. If the ingredients says "licorice mass" then it is or contains real licorice.
Lysine tablets ~ or you can eat foods high in lysine like milk, cheese, fish and chicken.