Cold sores can mean less puckering up for sufferers. According to a recent Canadian survey conducted by Ipsos Reid, 54 per cent of cold sore sufferers said that their infections have stopped them from kissing loved ones such as partners, family members and friends. In addition, results of the survey show that 55 per cent of cold sore sufferers said their infections make them feel self-conscious, frustrated and/or embarrassed. Some cold sore sufferers (9 per cent) have gone as far as to cancel social engagements due to an outbreak.
“When I have a cold sore, I just want it to heal as quickly as possible,” said Chantal Boisvert, a long-time cold sore sufferer. “I have always wished that there was a simple treatment that I could take for just one day that would heal my cold sores faster.”
TREATMENT AT THE FIRST TINGLE
With the approval of Valtrex (valacyclovir hydochloride) by Health Canada, the first one-day, oral antiviral medication indicated for the treatment of cold sores, sufferers have an option for treating their infections.