When to call a doctor
Because cold sores are very painful, people may have difficulty eating or drinking. To prevent dehydration, you should call your doctor if you cannot eat or drink adequately.
If these symptoms indicate dehydration, you should get medical care:
Reduced urine output (reduced infant wet diapers)
drowsiness
irritability
Dry mouth
If you have any uncertainty about your mouth ulcers, please inform your doctor.
If the child is younger than 6 weeks, if a cold sore appears, notify the doctor. Severe infection or disease complications are more common in infants. For example, in addition to affecting the mouth, HSV-1 may enter the brain and cause damage.
People who are weakened by the immune system should also call the doctor if they experience pain. If a person’s immune system is weakened, they are more likely to have serious infections or disease complications. If HSV infection is found, pregnant women need immediate counselling, especially if they are approaching their term of office.
When to go to the hospital
Dehydration symptoms and signs usually need to go to the hospital's emergency room. Babies, especially infants under 6 weeks of age, or infants with reduced urine output or reduced fluid intake, should be evaluated by their pediatrician or emergency centre if oral ulcers occur. Individuals with immunosuppression (eg, patients receiving chemotherapy, HIV patients, or cancer patients) should contact their doctor if they suspect an HSV-1 infection.
