Oral Blisters Often Mistaken for Malaria Symptoms Are Usually Herpes
Many people associate oral blisters with malaria, but medical experts clarify that these painful sores are typically caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), not malaria itself. When the immune system weakens due to infections like malaria, dormant herpes can reactivate, leading to blister outbreaks.
Professor Terver, a Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases expert, explains that herpes—known primarily as a genital infection—can also affect the mouth. During illness, reduced immunity allows the virus to multiply and cause blisters, which are often misattributed to other diseases like malaria.
Herpes is incurable but manageable, transmitted through s*xual contact, kissing, and sometimes via contaminated medical equipment or blood transfusions. It can only be detected during active outbreaks, as the virus remains hidden in the body when dormant.
Prevention strategies include abstinence, barrier protection during s*x, limiting partners, and strict sterilization of medical tools. While herpes itself can be controlled, it carries health risks, including a potential increased risk of certain cancers.
Conclusion
Oral blisters linked to malaria symptoms are often a sign of reactivated herpes simplex virus rather than malaria itself. Understanding this distinction is key to proper diagnosis and treatment.
Maintaining good health, practicing safe behaviors, and early symptom recognition help manage herpes outbreaks and reduce transmission risks.