Thread by @aproko_doctor

What is on your mouth?
Ah! It's Malaria o, Heavy one! Ishinu o

Dear Nigerian, That is not malaria, that is a sign of herpes Yes, you had a fever when you saw it, but it is not malaria.

You usually see it when you are ill or stressed because they become reactivated.

"But I know my body na"

Here is the thing:
That is a cold sore caused by a variant of the herpes virus usually Type 1

You can get it through close contact. E.g kissing

It lives in the nerves under the skin and the moment you become ill, or your immunity drops, you see them

The second variant is the type 2, which usually affects the genitals.

It is also possible for the type 2 to cause sores on the mouth

If you have a cold sore, you'll most likely experience fever and joint aches this is what many people mistake for malaria, sometimes typhoid

Currently has no cure
You can manage it or speed healing
In most cases, it will heal on its own
Always see a doctor.

Avoid kissing anyone who has a cold sore or sharing drink or spoons or even cosmetics like make up

Don't perform oral sex on anyone who has genital herpes

It is not a life-threatening infection, but you have to be careful, many people got theirs as kids, from probably other kids or adults that kiss babies.

The likelihood of infection is high especially when the sores are visible,

There are a few ways to prevent this, both types

Don't give oral sex if you have cold sores or give oral sex to someone with sores on the genitals

Do not share makeup items eg brushes

PLEASE DON'T KISS BABIES, whether you have this or not.

Always practice safe sex, protect yourself and others.

And do not waste your time going to buy antibiotics when you see this, it is a viral infection and antibiotics WILL NOT WORK on them

There are some drugs however that your doctor will prescribe to help speed it's healing if you have a bad case