Human Herpes Virus To avoid spreading
Type 1 the virus
The infection is very contagious until the
This is more commonly known blisters or sores dry.
as Herpes simplex virus type 1
(HSV-1). Do not be intimate with others.
It is responsible for common Do not kiss, share drinks, eating uten
fever blisters and cold sores. sils or any object that comes into con
tact with the cold sore/fever blister Cold Sores
And
The virus can enter your body with another individual.
through a tiny break in the skin,
if you come into contact with Avoid sharing personal items, like
someone’s active sore. toothbrushes, soap and towels. Fever Blisters
This virus remains in the body Refrain from participating in contact
once an individual is infected sports like wrestling and basketball
throughout their life. until your infection goes away.
The lesions are very contagious.
Prevention
There is no cure for Herpes.
Wear sunscreens
By age 50, 80 to 90% of people
have the virus. Avoid being intimate with anyone
who has blisters or cold sores or
Not everyone who is infected whom you suspect may have an ac
with the virus will develop tive infection until the blisters or cold
symptoms. sores dry
Some never do.
Revised August 2011
Cold Sores What causes the Virus TREATMENTS
(Fever blisters) to become active?
A drug taken orally called acyclovir
What are they? and other antiviral medicines are the
A red swollen bump near the face, Any infection, such as recommended treatment for herpes.
mouth, or nose is usually the first a cold, can prompt the
sign of an active virus. virus to show These require a prescription available
itself . only from a physician. Once the blister
Often the bump burns, stings, tin develops though,
gles, itches, or hurts as it develops It is easier for the virus to become ac an antiviral
into one of several cold sores or tive when your immune system (your prescription
blisters. body’s natural defense) is weakened does not help.
by another illness.
Some people feel sick or lack en
ergy, have a sore throat, swollen Trauma, such as a scrape or cut
neck glands, a headache, or flu
type symptoms with general Emotional stress
aches.
Sun exposure
Small blisters form, break, and Self care tips for
ooze a clear fluid. Some women experience active Treatment
Scabs form, then slough off to fever blisters only during their
uncover pink healing skin. menstrual cycle.
Vaseline ® petroleum jelly can prevent
cracking and drying.
The sores can last about 1-2 Some scientific evidence indicates
weeks and then often recur in the the herpes virus is inherited. Prevention Mouth Rinse ® applied to
same spot again and again. the area that is burning or tingling, sever-
al times a day, using cotton Q-tips, gauze
People who have had one bout or cotton ball s .
with the virus will recognize the
Blistex ® or Camphophenique® applied
early warning signs, if it comes
to the area can speed drying and ease
back. They will feel he burning or pain.
stinging or itching where they had
blisters or cold sores before.