As I get older, my body really doesn't feel the same as it used to.

Now, just a few days of overexertion and lack of sleep, and I can feel a tingling sensation on one side of my lips.

Then, that unique irritating feeling intensifies, and after a day, small blisters appear.

I have been suffering from cold sores, also known as herpes, since I was a child.

In English, it's referred to as a cold sore.

I found out from Google that 'herpes' is the name of the virus, while 'cold sore' refers to the visible blister symptoms on the lips.

I've noticed that the pattern of my cold sore outbreaks has always been the same.

When I'm sleep-deprived and tired, when I feel a cold coming on, or when I'm under a lot of stress, it always shows up.

Now, it feels like a signal from my body saying, "Ah, I've overdone it."

But it turns out I'm not the only one experiencing this.

According to my doctor, most adults in our country already carry the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

Many get infected when they kiss their parents or family members or share utensils and cups.

Once the virus enters the body, it quietly hides in the nerves and only reappears when the immune system is weakened.

So, there's no need to feel upset thinking, "Why is this happening to me?"

Many people carry the virus without showing symptoms; it just depends on their body condition.

It tends to flare up especially when overworked, when catching a cold, under a lot of stress, or after prolonged sun exposure.

That's why many people report getting cold sores after returning from the beach in the summer.

Since lips are skin, they are significantly affected by UV rays.

After hearing this, I started using lip balm with UV protection when going out, and it seems to help a lot.

And there's one more important thing.

It's the very moment when you start to feel that tingling sensation on your lips.

Applying an acyclovir ointment at the early signs is much more effective than waiting until the blisters have fully formed.

So, I keep one at home and one in my bag.

Applying it early often prevents the blisters from becoming too large and helps them heal much faster.

However, you should never pop the blisters with your hands.

Touching them can accidentally spread the virus to your eyes or other areas, and it can also be transmitted to family members.

It's best to wash your hands frequently and use separate towels or cups for a while.

If you have kids, it's more convenient to avoid kissing for a few days.

But honestly, if you rely solely on ointments, it will still come back.

Ultimately, what's important is your immunity.

From my experience over the years, the truly effective solutions are quite basic.

The first is sleep.

When I get a good night's sleep, strangely, I hardly ever get cold sores.

On the other hand, just a few days of sleep deprivation makes my body react first.

The second is stress.

The longer I hold in my frustrations and anger, the more my lips seem to react as well.

So, I make it a point to take a walk around the neighborhood, watch my favorite dramas, and enjoy a cup of coffee to relax.

The third is gut health.

In the past, I thought, "What does gut health have to do with cold sores?" But after learning about immune cells, I started paying more attention to eating kimchi, yogurt, and vegetables.

Compared to the times when I drank a lot and only ate instant food, I definitely feel my body is in a more stable condition.

Herpes is not a disease that can be completely cured with medication like a cold.

Instead, it seems that if we eat well, sleep well, and reduce stress, the incidence of outbreaks decreases.

Health ultimately starts with good sleep, proper nutrition, and avoiding overexertion.