With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to spread, scientists are scrambling to learn as much as they can about the virus in order to develop effective treatments and vaccines.
In the meantime, people are searching for any information that could help them avoid getting sick. Recently, there has been some speculation that cold sores could be a symptom of COVID-19. But is there any truth to this claim? Let’s take a closer look.
What are Cold Sores?
Cold sores are small, painful blisters that typically appear on the lips or around the mouth. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which is a highly contagious virus that can be transmitted through kissing, sharing utensils, or coming into contact with an infected person’s saliva. Most people who are infected with HSV don’t experience any symptoms, but some may develop cold sores.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 are the two different types of HSV. The majority of cold sores are caused by HSV-1, whereas the majority of genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-2.
Cold sores usually go through four stages: tingling and itching (the prodrome stage), blisters (the vesicle stage), ulcers (the crust stage), and finally, scabbing and healing (the healing stage). Cold sores typically last for about a week.
What is Covid?
Covid is a novel coronavirus that was first identified in 2019. It is similar to other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, but it is more contagious and causes more severe illness.
Symptoms of Covid include fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing. The virus is transmitted by coming into touch with respiratory secretions from an infected individual, such as mucus, saliva, or blood. It can also be spread through contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus.
What is the Link Between Cold Sores and Covid?
There is currently no evidence to suggest that having cold sores makes you more likely to contract Covid-19 or that it increases your risk of developing complications from the virus.
Covid-19 is a new illness, and we are still learning about it, so it is possible that future research may reveal a link between cold sores and the virus. However, at this time, there is no reason to believe that cold sores are a risk factor for Covid-19.
Is it Possible to Get a Coronavirus Cold Sore?
There is currently no evidence that any of the coronaviruses can cause cold sores. But coronavirus infection could potentially weaken your immune system to the point where the herpes virus already present in your body causes a cold sore.
A study published in early 2020 found that people who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) were more likely to have Herpes Simplex Virus infections. However, it’s important to note that the study did not find that SARS-CoV-2 caused herpes infections.
There is also a case report of a patient who developed cold sores after being infected with MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus). However, this is a single case, and it’s not clear if the patient had a pre-existing condition that made them more susceptible to developing cold sores.
How do you know if you have a Weak Immune System?
If you have a weakened immune system, then you may be more susceptible to diseases and infections. Here are some signs that your immune system is compromised:
You frequently get sick: If you find yourself getting sick often, it could be a sign that your immune system is not working as well as it should.
You have chronic health conditions: The immunological system can be weakened by diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
You take immunosuppressive medications: Immune-suppressing medicines, such as corticosteroids and chemotherapy, can weaken the immune system.
You are elderly: As people age, their immune systems become less effective.
You have a history of organ transplant: People who have had an organ transplant are more likely to get infections because they take immunosuppressive medications to prevent their bodies from rejecting the transplanted organ.
You have HIV/AIDS: People with HIV/AIDS have a weakened immune system.
A weakened immune system can have a huge influence. It becomes hard to fight off even the common cold and flu. If you think you have a weakened immune system, it’s important to consult with a doctor.
Covid-19 is a serious disease that can be deadly, particularly for people with weakened immune systems. But cold sores are not generally considered to be a risk factor for Covid-19. However, if you have a cold sore, you should take precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others.
What are the Common Cold Sore Triggers?
There are numerous common cold sore triggers that can activate the dormant Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in your body and cause a cold sore to develop. Some of the most common triggers include:
Stress
One of the most common cold sore triggers is stress. When we are stressed, our immune system is weaker, and we are more susceptible to breakouts. If you find yourself under a lot of stress, there are a few things you can do to try and relieve some of that stress: yoga, meditation, aromatherapy, and exercise are all great options.
Exposure to Sunlight
Another common cold sore trigger is exposure to sunlight. UV rays can cause breakouts, so it is important to wear SPF 30 or higher when you are going to be outdoors for prolonged periods of time. If you do happen to get a cold sore, just make sure to keep the area clean and covered so that it doesn’t spread.
Hormonal Changes
A third common cold sore trigger is hormonal changes. These changes can occur during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. If you find that your cold sores tend to flare up around these times, there are a few things you can do to help manage them: take lysine supplements, avoid spicy or acidic foods, and drink plenty of fluids.
What should you not do if you have a Cold Sore?
If you have a cold sore, there are a few things you should avoid doing in order to prevent the sore from getting worse.
First, resist the urge to pick or scratch at the sore. This will only make it more likely to become infected.
Second, try to avoid touching the sore and then touching your eyes or face. The virus can cause an infection if it comes into contact with mucous membranes like those in the eyes or nose.
Finally, if you have a cold sore, it’s important to avoid kissing or engaging in other forms of close contact with other people. This will help prevent the spread of HSV to others.
How can Cold Sores be Treated?
There is no cure for HSV-1, but there are treatments that can help shorten the duration of an outbreak and reduce the severity of symptoms. These treatments include:
1. Antiviral Medications: These can be taken orally or applied directly on cold sores. Antiviral medications can help reduce the length of an outbreak and lessen symptom severity.
2. Topical Creams and Ointments: Apply these ointments directly to cold sores for quicker healing and pain relief.
3. Cold Sore Patches: These are adhesive patches that can be placed over cold sores to protect them from further irritation and promote healing.
4. Home Remedies: Some people find relief from cold sores by using home remedies, such as applying a lip balm or cream, holding a cold, damp cloth on the sore, or taking a Lysine supplement.
Should you See a Doctor if you have a Cold Sore?
For most people, cold sores are nothing more than a nuisance. They might be painful or uncomfortable, but they eventually go away on their own and don’t require medical treatment.
However, there are some cases when you should see a doctor for your cold sore. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible:
* You have a fever greater than 101°F (38°C) along with your cold sore.
* Your lymph nodes are swollen.
* The skin around your sore is red and inflamed.
* You have difficulty breathing or swallowing due to your cold sore.
A doctor can prescribe medication that can help to speed up the healing process and make the sore less painful. In addition, if you get cold sores frequently, a doctor can prescribe medication that can help to prevent them from occurring as often. While cold sores are usually not serious, it is always best to consult with a doctor if you have any concerns.
Can Cold Sores be Prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent cold sores, but there are some things that can help to reduce the risk of developing them. These include:
1) Avoid Triggers: Some people with HSV find that their cold sores are triggered by certain things, such as stress, sunlight, etc. By avoiding these triggers, you can help prevent cold sores from forming.
2) Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially if you have a cold sore or if you’ve been in contact with someone who does. This will help prevent the spread of HSV.
3) Use Lip Balm: Apply lip balm or cream to your lips to help prevent them from drying out and cracking, which can make cold sores worse.
4) Avoid Sharing Utensils: If you have a cold sore, avoid sharing cups, straws, or utensils with other people. This will stop the spread of HSV.
5) Get Vaccinated: There is currently a vaccine available that can help prevent HSV-1 infection. The vaccine is most effective in people who have not yet been exposed to HSV-1.
What are the complications of cold sores?
Cold sores usually heal within a few days to a week without any complications. However, in rare cases, cold sores can lead to more serious problems. These complications can include:
1) Bacterial Skin Infection: If the cold sore becomes infected with bacteria, it can lead to a bacterial skin infection. This can cause the sore to become red, swollen, and painful.
2) Neurological Problems: In rare cases, HSV can cause encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain. This can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.
3) Vision Problems: In more fortunate cases, HSV only causes inflammation of the cornea. However, in rarer instances, this can sometimes lead to vision problems down the road.
4) Gastrointestinal Problems: There have been rare reports of HSV causing inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
5) Scarring: This is more likely to occur if you frequently get cold sores or if you pick at them. The scarring can be minor, or it can be more severe if the sore becomes infected.
If you experience any of these complications, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment for complications can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
What is the prognosis for cold sores?
The prognosis for cold sores is generally good. For most people, the sore will heal within a few days to a week without any complications. However, there is a small risk of complications, as described above.
If you have any concerns about your cold sore or if you experience any complications, it is always best to consult with a doctor. Several treatments for cold sores exist that can help the sore heal faster and make it less painful.
Conclusion
So, is there a link between cold sores and Covid? The answer is still unknown. However, if you have any worries, it is always preferable to visit a doctor. You can also check our article on Cold Sores vs. Canker Sores.
In most cases, cold sores are not serious and will heal within a few days to a week. However, there is a tiny danger of complications. Therefore, it is always best to consult with a doctor if you experience any problems.
With that said, it is always important to practice good hygiene and social distancing, even if you don’t have a cold sore. This will help to protect you and those around you from any potential illnesses.