Careful how you pucker up on Valentine’s Day
50% of Canadians don’t see link between oral sex and cold sores
February 10, 2009 – Calgary Alberta – In a recent survey conducted by leading Calgary based Biosciences company, Taiga BioActives, results revealed that Canadians were evenly split in their opinion on whether there is a link between oral sex and cold sores, revealing a significant gap in understanding this herpes based disease. The survey was conducted online during the month of October, 2008.
So, is there a link? Research shows there clearly is. Cold sores are highly contagious and can pass from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact. The greatest risk of infection is from the time the blisters appear until they have completely dried and crusted over. There is a possibility of spreading the virus for some time even after the skin has healed.
According to Meg Jordan, PhD, RN, Professor of Integrative Health Studies at California Institute of Integral Studies, and an expert in holistic medicine, “most people have vast misconceptions about the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) responsible for the common cold sores on the mouth or lips. The virus is often contracted through simple social interactions such as kissing someone of any age. Children often obtain it from their parents. Once in the body, antibodies are created which may give some protection, but not always,” explained Dr. Jordan. “HSV-1, although considered less serious by most people, can spread to more severe infections, although these cases are rare.”
Still, management of any herpes outbreak is important. “The sooner it’s “nipped in the bud, the better”, says Dr. Jordan. A consumer education campaign is part of Taiga BioActive’s commitment to replace outdated social stigmas with education and effective control.
Taiga BioActives President John Hiebert says, “There’s a lot of emotional fear associated with cold sores. We have found that some people are very interested in altering their activities when they get a cold sore – and some very much are not, as confirmed by our survey”. Hiebert continues, “We want people well educated on the subject of cold sores so they can make better lifestyle decisions.”
Survey questions included:
- Have you ever kissed someone knowing that you had a cold sore or were about to get one? (yes – 27%; no – 73%)
- Would you kiss someone you were very attracted to even if they had a cold sore?
(yes – 41%; no – 59%) - Have you ever canceled a date because you had a cold sore or were about to get one? (yes – 21% - no – 79%)
- Have you ever gone on a dream date and kissed your date knowing that you had – or were about to get – a cold sore?
(yes – 10%; no – 90%) - Who do you think is more susceptible to get a cold sore – men or women?
(men – 27%; women – 70%)
Taiga BioActives manufactures an innovative plant-based cold sore treatment called Dr. Krane’s KoolLips® Cold Sore Treatment, a Canadian made, topical over the counter therapy made with a naturally sourced active ingredient from geranium that has been scientifically proven to be effective in the treatment of cold sores. This is the first of a series of campaigns aimed at raising awareness of cold sores and its causative agent, Herpes Simplex I virus, which has been linked to other more serious medical conditions.
About Dr. Krane’s KoolLips
Dr. Krane’s KoolLips® Cold Sore Treatment has undergone scientific and consumer research and offers cold sore sufferers a naturally sourced solution to synthetic and chemically based alternatives. Dr. Krane’s KoolLips is sold at Canada’s best retail pharmacy chains including London Drugs, Super Drug Mart, ARP, FHCP, Proxim Brunet, selected Rexall’s in Alberta and Ontario, and more. A complete listing of retailers can be found at www.drkranes.com.
About Taiga Bioactives
Taiga Bioactives Inc., headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a specialty natural products company, marketing branded consumer products with functional plant-derived active ingredients. Taiga is committed to developing high performance natural treatment options for a range of oral and skin care applications in personal care, over-the-counter and prescriptions markets. These products will be marketed in retail channels through Taiga BioActives Inc. in association with leading distributors across Canada. More information can be accessed at www.taigabioactives.com.
Taiga BioActives Inc. contact
John Hiebert, President & CEO
johnh@taigabioactives.com
403.717.0776
Media contact:
Dean Mailey, Fusion Communications
dean@fusioncommunicationsgroup.com
604.218.6767