Cold sores – Prevention, Treatment and L-Lysine?

Ever had lots going on, like Christmas parties, weddings… you name it, and out of nowhere, a dreaded cold sore appears? Cold sores are a very common complaint in the pharmacy, so they are nothing to be embarrassed about. They are viral in origin, caused by spread of the herpes simplex virus. This virus is highly contagious, and can remain dormant in your system, without you even realising, until one day you notice a cold sore on your mouth/nose area. Certain things can trigger its activation, which results in itchy, irritating lesions that take time to disappear.

Coming into party season and cold sores got you down? Keep reading for tips on how to deal when the cold sore monster strikes!

Triggers for activation of the normally dormant herpes simplex virus in an infected person include:

1. Emotional/psychological stress

2. A cut/wound in the affected area

3. Tiredness/fatigue

4. Different points in menstrual cycle can trigger the activation of the virus in some women

Tips for dealing with cold sores:

When you first feel the tingle (usually on your lips) that a cold sore has started to form:

1. Use an antiviral cream (e.g. Zovirax– there are generics also available which contain the exact same active ingredient)

2. Using an antiviral cream after the initial period will be less beneficial – it serves to stop the spread of the cold-sore/to stop the virus from replicating.

3. Use the antiviral cream up to 5 times a day for up to 4-5 days. This should lessen the duration of the cold sore, reduce discomfort and prevent its spread

4. Make sure to wash your hands and apply the cream with clean fingertips. Wash your hands after applying the cream also, to prevent its spread. Do not share your cream with anyone else.

If the cold sore is at the stage where it has already cracked, it would be best to use either a silicone barrier cream, like Blistex or Cymex, or to use a hydrocolloid patch especially for cold sores

1. Hydrocolloid patches are preferred by lots of patients, for cosmetic reasons and also because it keeps the cold sore hydrated, and makes it less susceptible to cracking, which can be really sore! It also means you are less likely to touch, and hence spread it.

2. There are also non-medicated creams available, which form a barrier, to keep the cold sore moisturised and they. Usually contain a disinfectant also

3. Make sure to have your own face towel and to put it in the wash after each use. This is to prevent the spread of the virus to other parts of your face, or to other people.

4. Due to the fact that the virus is highly contagious - No kissing or sharing cups/glasses, lipsticks etc.

5. Cold sores usually last 7-10 days. If you have one for longer than that, visit your GP. Also, if you are immunocompromised (meaning you have a weaker immune system than most people, due to chemotherapy, HIV/AIDs, immunosuppressant medication) then see your GP if you get a cold sore, as it could affect you more than it would affect the average person.

6. Do not put makeup over your cold sore! You will just risk infection of the open wound, and risk it spreading to other parts of your face via your makeup brushes/hands.

Get cold sores often?

This can be a sign that you are feeling run-down.

You may be lacking in sleep, which your immune system needs to function at its best, so make sure to get plenty of rest (6-8 hours per night), to eat a healthy, balanced diet, and to get some regular exercise.

Cold sores and supplements:

L-lysine is a supplement often recommended to people who get cold sores often. The human body cannot synthesise lysine, so it is essential in humans and must be obtained from the diet. Because herpes simplex virus (HSV) proteins are richer in arginine and poorer in lysine than the cells they infect, lysine supplements have been tried as a treatment. There is little clinical evidence to support this however, so I would not recommend it.

An all-round supplement containing vitamins, minerals and amino acids would be a good option to discuss with your pharmacist if you are feeling run-down. The suitability of a supplement for you will depend on your other medications/conditions, so make sure to discuss your options with either your GP or pharmacist. One supplement which I often recommend to people when they feel they need a boost is Revive Active, which is a supplement range which encompasses all different ages and needs. Check them out here if you're interested. (This is not a sponsored recommendation, it is just a supplement which I totally back, and which I have received training on and can see the science behind it).

There is no cure at present for the herpes virus, so the best we can do is try to prevent it from spreading to other people, and to maintain good overall health in order to support our immune systems, which should in turn reduce the number of breakouts in cold sores.

Hopefully you won't suffer too badly with them this winter! As always, if you have any questions, comments, suggestions... feel free to contact me on here, by email, on instagram or facebook.... wherever you want to reach out to me, do! I love hearing from you guys.

Have a great week,

Lauren

6 Ways to Make Sure You Get The Most Out Of Your Doctor’s Visit

Got an important appointment coming up with a consultant/doctor? Going to the pharmacy to collect your medicines? Whenever you go to see a healthcare professional, it is an opportunity for you to learn more about your health, or the health of someone you care about. Why is it then, that we often walk away and remember something we wanted to ask them after we have left? You should leave a conversation with a healthcare professional, whether it is a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, dentist… feeling more enlightened than before your conversation, and it is partly your responsibility to make sure that you do! Here’s how you can play your part in making sure you get the most out of your conversation/ consultation.

How do you prepare for a doctor’s visit?

1. You are the patient, so YOU set the agenda about what you want to talk about. Of course there will be times when the doctor/nurse will want to discuss blood test results etc, but don’t let this put you off asking another question, whether it is related to the blood tests etc or not. The healthcare professional will find it really hard to treat/advise on a concern that you haven’t addressed, so don’t be afraid to discuss your concerns. Doctors/pharmacists/nurses etc, are always busy, but trust me, they want to know as early as possible in the consultation about your other concerns, rather than just disclosing them at the end. Even if you don’t think a new concern is related to other conditions you may have, there might be a connection, so it’s best if they know early on, so they can give the best advice. Have the confidence to speak up, and don't feel embarrassed - they have heard it all before!

2. Keep a symptom diary. For example, if you have been feeling constipated, keep a log of each time you go to the bathroom, so that when you do see your doctor /consultant, you can tell them how often you have been going, as well as log any other symptoms, like abdominal pain etc. This will give the doctor a clearer picture of just how severe your symptoms are, and this will make sure they treat it the best way they possibly can. You may even start to see some connections yourself. In sticking with this example, if you write out a daily symptom piece you might find a cause all by yourself! See picture below to see how a connection between food/fluid intake and constipation could be spotted all by yourself by keeping a simple diary! And if you can’t spot a connection – your doctor might, so do it anyway.

This is an example of a symptom diary I created - it shows someone who is constipated and records their symptoms, their activity levels, and fluid intake that day, because they heard that all of these were important for bowel movement.Even if you're not sure what might be related to your symptoms - record what you did that day too briefly, especially if you did anything different to usual..

3. Write a list of things you would like to talk about. It doesn’t have to be every single itch/pain you’ve had since you last saw them – just discuss and prioritise your main concerns, and don’t be afraid to bring them up. No doctor will be offended by a patient being organised and bringing a little list, they’ll appreciate the organisation and the efficiency this will allow them to have as you work through the short list together.

Short list on phone of health concerns - this is super quick and easy todo and you can write them as you think of them- so that you don't forget at your next doctor's visit

4. Bring a notebook in with you! Write down any key points so that you do not forget them.

Get yourself a cute notebook to make yourself more likely to take notes-whether that is at the doctor's office or on the bus writing down ideas - I always find having a pretty notebook makes me more likely to write down new learnings, or new ideas.

5. Better yet, if it is an important appointment with a consultant you have been waiting a long time to see, for example, then bring a close companion! Sometimes it can be overwhelming being the patient, and they may say one off-putting thing that means you focus on that, and not the rest of what they say. Having a buddy who is not the patient means, they will have a clearer focus, and you will be more likely to walk away with the knowledge the consultant imparted, and with a better understanding of your condition and your treatment.

6. Find a doctor and a pharmacist that you trust and stick with them.

The benefits of having the same doctor all the time, is that you don’t feel as though you’re starting from scratch each time you have a visit, and you don’t have to waste precious consultation time explaining previous medical history etc. Also, you get to build up a relationship of trust and familiarity, and this ensures you get the best care, and get the most out of your visits.

Soon I will be a pharmacist that people know, trust and come back to month after month. The continuity of care you receive when you go to the same doctor/pharmacist means you know and trust what your doctor prescribes, and what your pharmacist dispenses, and recommends. (P.S.This picture was taken in Greystones, Ireland!)

The benefits of sticking with the same pharmacy/pharmacist all the time, is that they will know your regular medications, and will notice any switch in medication, and will talk it through with you. They will also be able to check if any other over the counter medications or herbal supplements you might want to buy there, interact with your current medications. Also, if you have any symptoms, they may spot a connection between your symptoms and your medication etc. It is definitely in the best interests of your health to be consistent with your doctor, and your pharmacist, where possible, and leaves little room for you or the doctor/pharmacist to be confused about your treatment/condition.

The doctor’s time is precious – and so is yours! As is the money you pay to visit. Sometimes I find that I have been so afraid to "waste" the doctors time with my concerns - and let them focus on just one, even though I might have . more than one. This is certainly not a waste of time - it's why you visit, and it is a healthcare professional's job to help and advise you when you consult with them. Make sure you get the most from your visit by showing up prepared – with your list of queries, and a way of remembering the advice you receive. They will appreciate a patient who wants to know more and get better! So do not be afraid - what you have to say matters, and is in the best interest of your care.

Lots of love,

Lauren

(dailydoseofginger) xx

Who should REALLY get the flu vaccine (Pros vs Cons)

Don’t fancy having to be out because you’re really sick for a week this winter? No? Because that is the reality of having the flu. I am talking about the influenza virus, not just ‘man flu’ or the common cold, which people often refer to as ‘the flu’. Contracting the influenza virus, which the flu vaccine protects against, could have a normally healthy person bedridden for up to a week, and even longer getting back to full health.

Unfortunately, you wouldn't be as glowing as this little boy if you were sick with the flu! :(

Flu ≠ Cold. Flu symptoms come on very suddenly, and often include high fever, a strong headache, severe aches and pains, extreme exhaustion, chest discomfort and cough. Some of these symptoms, such as cough and fatigue, can last for several weeks. So that leads me to the following question...

Who REALLY needs to get the flu vaccine? Is it not just old/sick/at risk people?

Basically, anyone that cannot afford to be sick for a whole week, should get the flu vaccine. We often hear about at-risk groups that should definitely get the flu vaccine, because they are at higher risk of complications from the flu. This does not mean, however, that other people don’t need to get it.

The principle of vaccination works on the basis that the more people that are vaccinated, the less the disease can spread. So not only does getting the flu vaccine decrease your chances of contracting the flu, and being out sick for a week, but it also protects those you come into contact with, such as parents, grandparents, young children, people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

When we protect ourselves, we are also helping to contribute to communal protection from the illness, and hence we are working for the common good! Doesn’t that just give you extra reason to get it?

If that hasn’t convinced you, think of how likely you are to contract the flu. Do you engage with the public in your work? Does your workplace have a communal canteen? Does your commute ever involve public transport? Are you a healthcare professional? In all of these instances and more, you are at risk of contracting the flu. Just by being out in public you can get it, from airborne particles when people cough/sneeze.

Use public transport? You could come into contact with the flu virus!

The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season.

PROS. VS CONS of Getting the Flu Vaccine

Below, I have listed pros and cons of getting the winter flu vaccine. While of course there are cons, I have listed them for the sake of transparency, and I think you will find that the pros far outweigh the cons.

PROS VS CONS OF GETTING THE FLU VACCINE

I hope you spread the word about getting the flu vaccine. The season for getting it starts in September/October, and adults over the age of 18 can get the vaccine from their GP or Pharmacist or Occupational Health Department. Younger people should get the vaccine from their GP.

What are your thoughts on flu vaccinations? In the pharmacy I often hear mixed opinions, and many are not often supported by evidence, but by tales and scaremongering, and not facts. Make sure your information comes from a reputable source. Feel free to send on any questions you may have! i love hearing from you.

Lots of love,

Lauren

P.S. for really great, in-depth information on the flu vaccine, head to the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control