Autumn blisters

Cold sores are a viral infection that most often affects children under the age of 10. The condition is characterized by small, painful blisters, primarily in the mouth but sometimes on other parts of the body. Here we go over common symptoms of cold sores, how it is transmitted, and how to treat the condition.

What are autumn blisters?

Chickenpox is an infectious disease that is most common in children, but adults can also be affected. The disease is caused by a virus and occurs most often during late summer and early autumn, which is where the name comes from. It is not uncommon for the disease to spread to preschools and schools when school starts after the summer holidays.

Cold sores are sometimes also called hand, foot and mouth disease. Typical signs of the disease include fever, sore throat and small blisters in and around the mouth. You may also get blisters and a rash on other parts of your body, especially your hands and feet. Although cold sores can be uncomfortable, they are usually a mild condition that goes away on their own within a week or two. Most people only get cold sores once. If you get the disease again, the symptoms will usually be milder.

Symptoms of autumn blisters

Cold sores usually start with a fever, sore throat, and a general feeling of being unwell. Within a few days, small blisters develop in and around the mouth. The blisters can be uncomfortable and painful, and it can be difficult to eat and drink. A rash or blisters may also appear on the hands, feet, buttocks, arms, and legs. Before the blisters develop, they may look like small red dots or sores.

The blisters in your mouth may resemble canker sores , which are another type of painful mouth sore that often occurs in connection with infections. Cold sores can also cause blisters in and around your mouth.

How and for how long are fall blisters contagious?

Chickenpox is very contagious, especially in the first few days. The incubation period for chickenpox is three to seven days, and you can spread the infection even before you have noticed any symptoms yourself.

Cold sores are spread through close contact with an infected person, but also indirectly through contact with objects that the infected person has touched. It is very difficult to prevent infection because the disease has often already spread by the time the first symptoms appear. The contagiousness is greatest just before and during the time the blisters form.

Should children with autumn blisters stay home from preschool?

The child's general health and ability to participate in the usual activities at preschool or school will determine whether the child should stay home or not. This is because the infection has often already spread to other children before the first symptoms of chickenpox appear. Therefore, it can be difficult to prevent further spread of the virus simply by keeping children with chickenpox at home. If the child feels well enough to participate in daily activities, and does not have a fever or other signs of being unwell, they can go to preschool or school despite their chickenpox.

Autumn blisters as an adult

Cold sores in adults differ from cold sores in children in several ways, although the symptoms can be similar. In children, cold sores are usually more pronounced, with obvious symptoms such as fever, mouth blisters, and a rash on the hands and feet. Children tend to experience more discomfort, especially because of the painful mouth blisters that can make eating and drinking difficult.

In adults, symptoms may be milder or even absent. Adults with symptoms may experience a general feeling of malaise, fever, and sore throat, but blisters and rashes are usually less prominent than in children.

Although the symptoms and severity may differ between children and adults, the same virus causes the disease and the ways it is spread are the same regardless of age. This means that adults, just like children, can transmit the virus to others even if they have mild or no symptoms. Even if children are allowed to go to preschool, it is important to remember to practice good hand hygiene and avoid close contact with others if you know you are infected, regardless of age.

Treatment of autumn blisters

There is no specific treatment for cold sores, as it is a viral disease and the body's immune system must fight the virus on its own. The symptoms usually go away within a week.

If you are having a lot of trouble, you can try one of the following methods for pain relief:

• Eat cold foods: It may be easier to eat something cold if it hurts your mouth or throat, such as yogurt, ice cream, or cold drinks.
• Avoid certain foods: Spicy, salty, or acidic foods and drinks can further irritate the blisters.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers can be used if you or your child is in significant discomfort.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids is important, especially if you have difficulty swallowing due to mouth blisters.

When should I seek medical attention?

It is usually not necessary to seek treatment for cold sores as the condition is in most cases mild and goes away on its own.

Contact a health center if you or your child has cold sores and the symptoms do not improve within ten days. You should also contact health care if your child has difficulty drinking fluids or if you or your child has a fever for more than three days.