1) Q: What causes cold sores in the first place?
A: Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a common eruption of small, painful blisters on the lips, gums, tongue, or skin around the mouth. They are caused by the Herpes simplex virus, most often type 1.
2) Q: How many people suffer from cold sores?
A: It is estimated that over 90% of the population of the U.S. carry the antibodies to the Herpes Simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus antibodies are proof that a person has at least been exposed to the virus. It is further estimated that 1/3 of these suffer from recurrent cold sores. Others still carry the virus, but if they have a healthy immune system their immune system can keep the virus at bay. Most Americans are infected with the type 1 herpes virus by the age of 20.
3) Q: How does one get a cold sore?
A: The Herpes virus is highly contagious and can be acquired through infected towels, eating utensils or dishes, razors, a toothbrush, lip balm, etc. The virus can also be transmitted through kissing and oral sex.
4) Q: Where do cold sores usually form?
A: Cold Sores are usually found either on or at the edge of a person's lips or on the skin around a person's mouth. They can also occur anywhere on the mucous membrane surface of the oral cavity.
5) Q: What are the most common symptoms of cold sores?
A: The initial symptoms occur within 1 or 2 weeks, and sometimes as late as 3 weeks following exposure. Warning symptoms of burning, itching, sensitivity and/ or tingling usually occurs within two days before a lesion is noticed. The blister itself is usually raised, red and filled with a clear or yellowish fluid. The lesions usually last from 7 to 10 days and then begin to recede. The virus resides in the nerve root and causes recurrent outbreaks at or near the original site. Repeat outbreaks after the initial one are usually milder.
6) Q: What triggers subsequent outbreaks of cold sores?
Outbreaks can be triggered by illness, fever, emotional upset or stress, menstruation or pregnancy, severe chapping of the lips, excessive exposure to the sun or ultraviolet lamps, and immune system deficiencies as well as other undetermined causes.
7) Q: Can there be complications if the lesions go untreated?
A: Complications can occur with the spread of the virus to other areas of the body. It can cause secondary bacterial infections, genital herpes and can be life-threatening in immuno-suppressed people, including those with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and severe atopic dermatitis. Herpes infections of the eye is the leading cause of scarring of the cornea in the US often leading to blindness.
8) Q: Is there a way to prevent future outbreaks?
A: Conventional medications are available but carry many side effects or adverse reactions. Since the virus lies dormant most of the time, one can only safely prevent outbreaks by supporting the immune system with a good diet, regular exercise and the usage of a proven herbal remedy such as Sure Nature's ImmunaSureTM. You can never rid your body of the herpes virus once you acquire it, but you can build up your immune system so you don't suffer from recurring outbreaks.
9) Q: What makes Sure Nature's ImmunaSureTM so effective in helping to prevent the recurrence of cold sores and reducing the severity of subsequent outbreaks?
A: The ingredients in Sure Nature's ImmunaSureTM have long been shown to have strong anti-viral properties. These herbs have been proven effective in acute viral infections, particularly against DNA virus replication (herpes).
For example, Lemon balm contains polyphenols which significantly help in the treatment of cold sores by combating the virus itself. Astragalus has been found to increase the function of the immune system's T-cells, one of the body's key lines of defense against disease.
Research indicates that Acidophilus can inhibit the formation of a lesion and can help to soothe the sores and speed the healing if they do occur.
Garlic and Larch have been traditionally used through the ages for infections and viral related disorders. The ingredients in Sure Nature's ImmunaSureTM Formula have been chosen for their efficacy and for their gentle qualities when taken for extended periods of time. The Formula is very safe and lacks interaction with conventional medications.
10) Q: What other benefits might Sure Nature's ImmunaSureTM offer regular users?
A: ImmunaSureTM is such an effective anti-viral combination of ingredients that it can help to prevent and treat colds, flu, mononucleosis, sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, sore throats and other common viral infections.
11) Q: What other things can one do to help prevent the recurrence of cold sores?
A: Good health practices such as plenty of sleep, regular exercise, proper diet, stress reduction and regular use of vitamin C, E, and other antioxidants can all help to lower the incidence of outbreaks. Also you can further help prevent recurring outbreaks by avoiding excessive intake of acid foods such as sugar, alcohol and caffeine.
References include:
U.S. National Library of Medicine (www.nlm.nih.gov)
National Institute of Health (www.nih.gov)
Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia (www.medlineplus.com)
Liniger S., et.al., The Natural Pharmacy, 2nd edition, Prima Health, and Healthnotes, Inc. 1999
