Cold Sore More Prevalent in the Winter
Cold and flu season is in full force during the winter months which is one explanation for the outbreak in cold sores. However, many people don't realize that exposure to cold temperatures can re-activate the virus that causes cold sores. Therefore, with cold temperatures on top of cold and flu season, there is an increased prevalence of cold sore outbreaks in the winter.
- Cold Sores & Illness: When your child has a fever, infection or other illnesses, their immune system will be compromised. Your child's immune system is not as strong as that of an adult whose body has had time to produce certain antibodies and immune responses. Therefore, just like many other illnesses, your child is more prone to get a cold sore when their immune system is weakened by illness. Cold sore outbreaks are more common in children during periods of illness than they are in adults.(1)
- Cold Sores & Chapped Lips: If the air in your house is dry, the temperatures are cold outside, or your child does not drink enough fluids, their lips may chap. Chapped lips are another cause of cold sores in kids and adults. If you find your child gets chapped lips on a recurring basis, look into a lip balm or a product like Super Lysine+ Coldstick to reduce chapping and the risk of cold sores.(1)
Yes. Cold sores are usually transmitted by direct contact with oral secretions. Think, sharing a drink, utensils, chapstick, kisses, etc.
If Child Gets Cold Sore, Don't Panic
If your child develops a cold sore, don't panic. About 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 18 get cold sores. A cold sore is simply a physical manifestation of the Herpes Simplex Virus (Type 1). Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV1, is a virus from the Herpesviridae family. Although other species of Herpes can cause chicken pox, shingles, encaphilitis and other illnesses, there is no need to worry that a cold sore is a precursor to other illnesses in your child. The Herpes Simplex Virus 1, though incurable, will at worst only manifest into more cold sore outbreaks in the future. (1)
 | |
| Something you might try*: Little Lips: Super Lysine Cream. Little Lips Super Lysine is an all natural cold sore treatment for kids (and adults!). It has a natural berry flavor that kids will love and it can help heal your child's cold sore faster. Where to buy: The Vitamin Shoppe (4600 Shelbyville Road) or online. *Kid's Dentistree was not compensated and does not endorse this product by writing this suggestion. |
Sources:
(1) http://www.quantumhealth.com/news/kids_cold_sores.html
