UH OH! Getting a cold sore...

[Tigerlily]

I'm getting a cold sore inside my nostril. Should I avoid using cpap while I have it? I don't really want to sleep without it, but I'm concerned about the virus being circulated through the hose, machine and humidifier.

[avi123]

If it's actually a "cold sore" or a "fever blister" then it is the sexual transmitted disease Herpes Simplex (STD). You yourself, most likely, can't be reinfected but you could reinfect others. A daily dose of five capsules of Acyclovir 200 mg, each day, for a week, could make it go away, faster. Generally, one such daily capsule, could stop the flare ups for longer time.

Children get it by being kissed by adults who are having a flare up.


Images of cold sores:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sit ... S8kR-uIpvg

IMO, the CPAP treatment has nothing to do with it. During flare ups don't touch it or have a nasal pilows in contact with it.

[archangle]

I'm getting a cold sore inside my nostril. Should I avoid using cpap while I have it? I don't really want to sleep without it, but I'm concerned about the virus being circulated through the hose, machine and humidifier.

You have millions and millions of copies of the virus in your body already. The relatively small number of virus cells that might get spread around by the CPAP won't matter.

Unlike bacteria, viruses can't multiply outside your body. They usually don't live very long outside the body either, so they're unlikely to reinfect you down the road.

Of course, your equipment or things like tissues could be a risk to others while you're infectious. It's a good idea to not let anyone else handle your equipment anyway, so you don't catch something from them.

[STL Mark]

I missed the part of your post asking for causes and treatments but I see no problem with continuing treatment normally. If your usual mask causes pain consider a FFM like the Quattro. I see no reason for this to effect the machine, humidifier or hose. Mask may be a different issue.

[Tigerlily]

I have gotten occasional cold sores my whole life. They are brought on by stress, sun, sickness or sugar in excess. I have had a lot of sugar lately so I know that is the cause and NOT the cpap.

I just didn't know if I should avoid the cpap until it is gone or not. I did get the Mirage Quattro ffm today and will use it for the first time tonight, so at least there won't be any nasal pillows to go in my nose. That would be a problem.

My usual cleaning routine is once a week soak and wash mask, hose, humidifier chamber, headgear in warm, soapy water.
Daily I disconnect hose and hang, wipe mask down with wet paper towel and hang to dry and remove and rinse the humidifier chamber and let it dry.

Maybe I will just wash it more often in the next week and try boiling the silicone seal.

[BlackSpinner]

The herpes virus lives in your body and peaks out as you say when you are stressed in various ways. You can't infect yourself because it is already all yours. Don't lend you mask to anyone while you have it without washing it.

[Pugsy]

If it's actually a "cold sore" or a "fever blister" then it is the sexual transmitted disease Herpes Simplex (STD).

It is NOT the STD Herpes simplex II that appears on the genitals.

Cold sores and fever blisters are Herpes Simplex I.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_simplex

There are tests to determine the difference. Both types seem to be triggered by stress in some people.

[avi123]

If it's actually a "cold sore" or a "fever blister" then it is the sexual transmitted disease Herpes Simplex (STD).

It is NOT the STD Herpes simplex II that appears on the genitals.

Cold sores and fever blisters are Herpes Simplex I.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_simplex

There are tests to determine the difference. Both types seem to be triggered by stress in some people.

Comment,

If you have Herpes Simplex on your lips and then have oral sex (during flare up) you could then easily transfer the virus to your partner's genitals, and vice verse.

http://www.medicinenet.com/genital_herp ... rticle.htm

[Pugsy]

If you have Herpes Simplex on your lips and then have oral sex (during flare up) you could then easily transfer the virus to your partner's genitals, and vice verse.

That scenario is fairly rare.
What about all the little kids with cold sores/fever blisters on their lips...are you saying all those kid have been molested sexually?

Herpes Simplex I (from the mouth) can indeed be transmitted to the genitals via the usual way or maybe even hand contact but it is still Herpes Simplex I....there are tests that determine the virus designation and it doesn't depend on where the swab was obtained. The lab gets the swab and tests it and never knows where the swab's contents came from.
There are 2 designations...I and II and they aren't considered the same thing.

http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/pai ... ent-herpes
In general, a person can only get herpes type 2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection.

Herpes simplex type 1, which is transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin, can be spread through kissing or sharing objects such as toothbrushes or eating utensils.

Herpes simplex viruses -- more commonly known as herpes -- are categorized into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes). Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum. Although HSV-2 sores may occur in other locations, these sores usually are found below the waist.

[Tigerlily]

Thank you Pugsy. I was going to address that but didn't have time.
Like I said, I've had them since I was little and my Mom has had them her whole life. We are the only 2 in our family who get them. None of my other sisters have ever had them, nor has my dad or my husband.

[Pugsy]

Thank you Pugsy. I was going to address that but didn't have time.

No problem. This was the second time Avi told someone that had a cold sore that they had genital herpes so I couldn't let that information slide this time.. don't want to scare the hell out of people. Besides he knows how much I enjoy sparring with him. I thought for sure I was on his Foe list again and wouldn't be peaking at what I say...but I know him...he just can't stand to not read what I write.

Knock on wood...I have never had one but we aren't sure about my husband and even he gets a pimple near his mouth....no kissing or whatever until it is well gone. Taking no chances but in 11 years...nothing that I could declare with certainty as a cold sore.

Though I do remember one very mad young woman a few years ago who came into the office with one of those boo boos on her genitals and come to find out the boyfriend had an open cold sore on his lips when he went playing down there. It was tested type I officially but that wasn't a whole lot of solace for her. She was one mad woman because he had told her that she couldn't catch it "down there".

I have never seen type 2 in the mouth or face though.