9 Things Your Lover Wishes You Knew About Cold Sore Outbreaks
When casually dating it is easy to cancel when an cold sore appears, but it is not something to ignore once a relationship becomes exclusive. Explaining how you are a chronic cold sore sufferer is definitely something people dislike sharing with anyone. Even if the subject is mentioned the discussion many lack some information because of the embarrassment of the sufferer. For those dating someone with chronic cold sores who is hesitant to discuss the issue – here is the information they want you to know.
1.You probably already have the virus, but not necessarily from them.
HSV-1 is so common it is believed that anywhere from 60 to 90 percent of the adult population is infected. Most people catch the virus during childhood when kissed by a relative with the virus or while playing with a friend that has a cold sore.
2. It is contagious and a form of herpes, but it is not an STD.
Cold sores are passed to others through saliva and not through sexual contact. It is possible to spread the virus to other areas of the body, and oral to genital transmission is possible. However, it is still not an STD regardless of where the sores appear.
3. Catching the virus does not mean you will ever have a cold sore.
The reason why the statistics vary so greatly on HSV-1 infection is because of the number of people that have the virus in their body, but never experience any cold sores. Doctors will not necessarily test for the illness automatically other than during pregnancy.
4. Someone that has more outbreaks is not “sicker” than those that do not.
The virus is not stronger, more contagious or more dangerous in people who have frequent outbreaks. Medical experts still struggle to know why some people never experience outbreaks and others have constant problems. However, all of the research shows that the problem is different from one person to the next. People that catch the virus from someone that has never had a cold sore will not necessarily be as lucky.
5. During an outbreak physical affection may need to be limited.
HVS-1 can pass to others at any time, but the highest risk is during an outbreak. Avoiding contact with a cold sore may mean that kissing, and other forms of affection, have to be put on hold until the blemish goes away.
6. Sharing is great, sometimes.
It is a good idea to not share lip balm, drink containers and utensils during an outbreak. Avoid even pillows and scarves, mobile phones and anything else that come into close contact with the face during this period of time.
7. Good health matters a lot.
Preventing outbreaks means avoiding excessive stress, keeping the immune system strong and avoiding excessive amounts of the sun. While everyone will benefit from using sunblock, getting exercise and eating well, it is important to encourage cold sore sufferers to stay committed to these steps even more.
8. HSV-1 sounds scary, but it is rarely dangerous.
Very few people have serious problems with the virus that causes cold sores, but it can happen. Weakened immune systems due to illness or disease can lead to severe outbreaks. Rubbing the eyes after touching a blister could transmit the sore and lead to vision concerns. People with an active outbreak should stay away from babies and toddlers and anyone who knows they have the virus should be careful about kissing young children at any time.
9. Cold sore outbreaks are miserable, so be kind.
Cold sores burn, sting and ache. They may make it hard to eat or drink. People sometimes lose sleep. The embarrassment makes people hesitant to go to work or to social events. Please be patient and kind.
