Herpes simplex 1 is a contagious virus that is easily spread from person to person. The Type 1 virus causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, nose and chin. Cold sores are red, pus-filled blisters that eventually break and leave behind a crust that falls off after the blister heals. Exposure to the herpes virus does not mean you will contract the disease. The immune system plays an important role in determining which person gets outbreaks, how frequently the cold sores occur and how many sores appear. But there are behaviors or actions that greatly increase the chances of a person contracting herpes simplex 1.
Instructions
1. Touch people infected with herpes. The best way to contract herpes is to kiss someone on the mouth or face who has a cold sore. Touching the face of the infected person can also lead to getting the virus. Having any physical contact (including sex) with a person increases the risk.
2. Share personal items with infected people. There is evidence that herpes can spread by sharing intimate items like towels, washcloths, toothbrushes and razors. Using the same drinking cup, fork or spoon as an infected person may also spread the disease.
3. Wash hands infrequently. Many germs and diseases are passed on by people not washing their hands thoroughly. It seems like a simple thing to do but many people aren't aware that many bacteria and viruses remain on the hands. If your hands are infected and then you touch your eyes or your genitals, you can spread herpes to other parts of your own body. Cleanliness will help to reduce the chances of getting the herpes virus.
4. Spend time in the sun without sunblock. The rays of the sun seem to trigger herpes outbreaks. Without a sunscreen or sunblock with SPF 15 on the face, neck and lips you increase the possibility of getting cold sores
5. Have an unbalanced diet. The immune system is important in fighting diseases of all types. Not getting the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy body will lead to a weakened immune system. This makes you more susceptible to diseases like herpes. Eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetable helps to strengthen the body's self-healing abilities. Taking vitamin C every day will fight infection. Echinacea is an herb that is known to improve the immune system.
Tags: immune system, cold sores, herpes virus, infected person, infected person also, person also