Is that dreaded tingle on your lip back? Feeling run down with a cold or flu can trigger a cold sore outbreak. So, can you get cold sores while sick? Absolutely!
When your immune system is busy fighting off a virus, it's less effective at suppressing the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores. This virus lies dormant in your nerve cells and waits for a moment of weakness to reactivate. Stress, fever, and hormonal changes associated with being sick create the perfect opportunity for a cold sore to appear.
So, what can you do? Focus on boosting your immune system with rest, proper hydration, and a healthy diet. Over-the-counter antiviral creams can help shorten the duration of a cold sore. If you experience frequent or severe outbreaks, talk to your doctor about prescription antiviral medications. Get well soon!
