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Cold sores aren’t just embarrassing and painful; they’re also contagious. In fact, these bright red sores found near the mouth spread so easily that at least 50% of all Americans get infected before turning 30.
Though common in the winter, cold sores aren’t caused by cold weather. They’re the result of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which normally causes sores on or around the lips and sometimes inside the mouth. If you’re lucky, your infection won’t cause symptoms.
How Long Does a Cold Sore Last?
Annoying as they are, cold sores typically resolve on their own within a few weeks. Unfortunately, however, HSV stays with you for life. While it remains dormant in your body most of the time, it can flare up and allow the painful sores to develop again.
While there’s no cure, treatments for HSV may reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the sores. Common treatments include over-the-counter or prescription medications recommended by a healthcare provider. You may find relief by applying an ice pack or rubbing aloe vera on the sore.
If you get cold sores frequently, you may begin to notice a tingling sensation before they form. Use medication as soon as you feel that sensation to keep the sore from forming.
Your Lips, Cold Sore-Free
Once you know what a cold sore is, you’ve got to take action to avoid them. Don’t kiss or drink after someone with a visible sore. And if you’ve had HSV before, minimize your risk of sores in the future. To do that, you need to know what triggers your virus to become active.
There are many reasons your dormant virus comes back. Some of the most common triggers include:
- Cold, flu or fever
- Exposure to bright sunlight
- Menstruation or other events that cause hormonal changes
- Specific foods
- Stress or fatigue
Once you know your triggers, take steps to avoid the ones you can whenever possible. You can also work with your primary care provider to protect yourself from this painful problem.
What is a cold sore’s worst enemy? You and your primary care provider. Schedule an appointment with yours at Magnolia Regional Health Center today.
Regular blood work is necessary to keep your good health on track.
You care about your health, so you visit your primary care provider—even during a pandemic. At your annual exam, your height and weight get measured. A nurse takes your blood pressure. You discuss any changes in your health. Occasionally, blood is taken for some tests. But what does that blood work show?
An Inside Look at Your Body
When you’re sick, a thermometer lets you know you have a fever. A fever means you have an infection or illness. In many ways, your blood does the same thing. It acts like a thermometer, giving a peek at what’s going on inside your body.
With a blood test, your primary care provider doesn’t have guess at what’s ailing you. For example, your blood helps your provider determine if constant tiredness is from anemia, infection or something else. Blood work can help diagnose immune system disorders. A health professional can use your blood sample to measure your risk for several dangerous and deadly diseases.
When and What Tests You Need
Blood tests are powerful tools. To take advantage of them, you’ll need to get the right ones. While many blood tests get ordered only when needed, some should be performed on a routine basis.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)—This is the blood test you’re most likely to undergo at your annual exam. It helps diagnose immune system problems, blood cancers, anemia, infection and more.
Cholesterol test—Lots of bad cholesterol and little good cholesterol is bad for your heart. With a cholesterol blood test known as a lipid profile, you can keep an eye on how much cholesterol is in your blood. Healthy adults should undergo this test every four to six years. Your provider may ask you to not eat or drink prior to the test.
Diabetes test—A few blood tests are available to help diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. Some require you to fast beforehand. Others don’t. If you have good blood sugar levels and no risk factors for diabetes, get tested every three years. Have risk factors? More frequent testing may be necessary.
An Important Diagnostic Tool
The right blood test at the right time gives you the upper hand. It helps your provider determine your risk for some diseases and identify diseases you’re currently experiencing.
On top of testing for cholesterol, diabetes and anemia, blood tests serve many purposes. They check if certain medications are working. They also help diagnose other conditions, such as:
- Blood clotting problems
- Heart attack
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and syphilis
- Thyroid conditions
To sum it up, your blood work provides a window into your overall health status. Talk with your provider to ensure you get the right tests for your blood. Then use these tests to take control of your health.
Need to get your blood checked out? Schedule an appointment with a primary care provider at Magnolia Regional Health Center.
Discover the differences between a rheumatologist and orthopaedist to get the best treatment.
We know when you’re experiencing arthritis, joint or muscle pain you want relief fast. That is why Magnolia Regional Health Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to orthopaedic health. Orthopaedists and rheumatologists treat similar orthopaedic issues. Understanding the key differences between a rheumatologist and an orthopaedist will ensure you receive the most effective treatment from our experts.
What Is an Orthopaedist?
An orthopaedist, typically an orthopaedic surgeon, provides specialized treatment for the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes bones, joints, ligaments, nerves and tendons.
Orthopaedists diagnose and treat injuries that worsen over time, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. They also help prevent muscle or joint injuries caused by sports or physical activity.
It’s a common misconception that orthopaedic treatment relies on surgical interventions. Many orthopaedic treatment options focus on symptom relief and prevention, and do not involve surgery at all.
See an Orthopaedist for…
Some of the conditions an orthopaedist treats include:
- Arthritis
- Herniated disc
- Hip or knee pain that continues to progress
- Joint pain
- Osteoporosis
- Overuse injuries of the musculoskeletal system
- Sciatica or other nerve pain
- Scoliosis
- Sports injuries
- Whiplash
What Is a Rheumatologist?
A rheumatologist is an internal medicine specialist with specialized training in rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic diseases are inflammatory or autoimmune conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissue. Rheumatologists are trained to diagnose conditions with biologic causes rather than injuries.
Rheumatic diseases affect similar areas of the body treated by orthopaedists, including joints, muscles, bones and tendons. While rheumatologists do treat some forms of arthritis, arthritis is not considered a rheumatic disease because it is degenerative and not caused by inflammation.
See a Rheumatologist for…
Some of the conditions a rheumatologist may treat include:
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Joint pain with back pain
- Joint pain without injury
- Lupus
- Multiple joint pain
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Unknown illness or injury
So Who Should I See?
Speak to a primary care provider to discuss symptoms you’re experiencing. They will help determine whether a rheumatologist or orthopaedist is a better option and provide any necessary referral.
A quick way to differentiate between these doctors is to remember the following:
- Rheumatologists treat musculoskeletal pain caused by biologics, such as immune system dysfunction or related diseases.
- Orthopaedists treat musculoskeletal conditions related to overuse, injury or progressive conditions, such as osteoporosis or most forms of arthritis unrelated to the body’s biology or immune system.
Get the Best Care at MRHC
MRHC has multidisciplinary orthopaedic and rheumatology teams to provide custom care for each patient. They apply innovative and leading-edge treatment techniques to ensure each patient receives comprehensive care tailored to their specific healthcare needs.
Learn more about orthopaedic and rheumatology care at MRHC.
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