Oral Herpes/Cold Sores (HSV-1)
Description
Oral Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus and is contracted by touching infected
saliva, mucus membranes or skin. A form of herpes has infected most individuals before adulthood.
Oral Herpes or cold sores are highly contagious and affect millions of people all over the world.
Once you have herpes, you will have it forever, however, it will lie dormant most of the time, with occasional outbreaks that will manifest in a rash around the mouth, which blisters and scabs over about a five-day period.
Symptoms
An incubation period of between two and 12 days is common. Symptoms last about two to three weeks
and can include the following:
• fever
• tiredness
• muscle aches
• burning or itching at the infection site prior to sores
• painful sores on lips, gums, tongue, roof of mouth, inside cheeks
• sore may also extend to chin and neck
• gums might swell or bleed
• lymph nodes might swell
Tests
A doctor can assess based on physical exam and patient information. If telltale herpes sores
have already appeared, diagnosis will be even easier. Lab tests can be conducted, including
taking a sample from the sores in order to better identify the virus. Typical lab tests include
culture analysis, a staining test (known as Tzanck smear), antigen and antibody studies, and blood
sampling.
Tylenol or Excedrin can be taken from home for fever and muscle soreness. Plenty of fluids will help curtail dehydration.
Outcomes
After infection, herpes moves on to the three following different stages:
1. Primary infection: the virus enters skin or mucus membranes and reproduces resulting in the sores
2. Latency: the virus moves into nervous tissue in the spine, reproduces and again goes dormant
3. Recurrence: brought on by stress or physical changes, the virus can crop up and go through
the symptom cycle once again
Because it can be physically challenging to eat or drink with mouth sores, it is especially important to take in plenty of fluids to stave off dehydration.
Topical treatments can be used to relieve site pain. Prescription strength viscous lidocaine is recommended.
For individuals with a weakened immune system or a severe disease, hospital admission may be required.
