You got blisters on your lips or the side of your mouth, don't assume it's malaria although plasmodium falciparum(malaria parasite) lowers your immunity...
These blisters are actually due to "Herpes Labialis"
Herpes Labialis is caused majorly by the Herpes Simplex Virus-1(HSV-1 in about 90% of cases) and Herpes Simplex Virus-2(HSV-2).
They are transmitted via direct contact with body fluids or lesions of an infected individual in scenarios like kissing, giving head/Blowjobs(Oral sex).
It could also be transmitted to newborns(neonatal herpes simplex) due to contact with genital secretions in the birth canal of an infected mother.
Once the Herpes simplex virus is in your body, it never leaves.
It moves from the mouth to remain latent in the nervous system(Trigeminal ganglion precisely).
These blisters are reactivated due to conditions like Stress, Menstruation, Fever, Dehydration.
The blisters could last for about 1-2weeks...
Antiviral medications such as acyclovir and penciclovir, can speed up healing.
A point to note is that we should stop the habit of kissing babies as that could be an avenue for transmission of this Virus...
HSV-2 is responsible for *Herpes Genitalis* which affects the genitals and has been classified as a Sexually Transmitted Infection( STI).
It could be transmitted via Skin-to-Skin Contact during sexual intercourse and presents as lesions on the genitals together with pain and itching. It is adviced that you see a doctor as soon as possible...
HSV-2 as earlier stated could lead to Herpes Labialis during Oral Sex.
Thank you!
By Marvellous Mogbolu.
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