3. Fever and General Fatigue: The Body’s Battle Against the Virus
When we think of cold sores, external symptoms come to mind. However, there’s an internal battle raging on as the body combats the virus. A manifestation of this internal struggle is the onset of fever and a feeling of general fatigue in the child.
Fever, in the context of cold sores, is the body’s thermostat working overtime. It’s the immune system’s attempt to make the body’s environment hostile for the virus. In doing so, the hope is to halt the virus’s progression and speed up recovery.
Children with cold sores may not just complain about external discomfort but may also seem drained or less energetic than usual. This fatigue isn’t merely a random symptom but an indication of the body using its resources to fight the viral invasion.
Interestingly, not all children with cold sores will experience fever or fatigue. These symptoms vary based on the child’s immune response and how their body chooses to combat the virus. Some might display evident fatigue, while others could have a mild temperature spike. (3)
