Cold sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1. This virus can be contracted and remain inactive in the body without ever showing symptoms – until cold sores appear on the mouth or nose. These blisters are painful and embarrassing. If you have contracted HSV Type 1, prevention is important; this virus is highly contagious. There are a few basic tips that can help prevent the outbreak.
1) Prevent Spreading
HSV Type 1 is easily spread when blisters are present. You must avoid kissing and sharing drinks, silverware, toothbrushes and anything else that may come in contact with the outbreak area. You can spread the virus to another person, so cold sores prevention includes preventing spreading to other people and the rest of your body.
2) Wash Hands
Generally, people should wash their hands frequently throughout the day but many people don’t. When you have HSV Type 1 and are suffering an outbreak, it is very important to wash your hands more often. By washing your hands often helps you keep new blisters from appearing.
3) Stay Healthy
Your immune system is a crucial part of controlling outbreaks. When your immune system is weak, the HSV Type 1 virus shifts into overdrive and causes an outbreak. Staying healthy is important in your cold sores prevention. Keep a well-balanced diet regimen and include vitamin supplements, like vitamin C, that boost immune systems.
4) Reduce Stress
Stress levels affect outbreaks in a few ways. When you’re stressed your immune system is vulnerable and cannot fight the effects of the virus. With a compromised immune system, the virus becomes more active but your body also becomes fair game for other illnesses as well. Keep your stress levels low whenever possible and learn how to manage unavoidable stresses.
5) Reduce Sun Exposure
Some people that suffer from HSV Type 1 have found that too much time in direct sunlight actually triggers an outbreak of cold sores. During the warmer months when you spend more time outside, wear sun block. For cold sores prevention, use a lip balm with sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher.
Basically, preventing cold sores outbreaks is a whole mind and body effort. You must maintain a healthy lifestyle, get plenty of rest, and learn how to keep the outbreaks to a minimum. There is currently no cure for HSV Type 1, so management is the key to keep from spreading the virus to uninfected people.