A woman has reported that she contracted an incurable disease after participating in karaoke.
While one might assume this would be related to hearing damage, the illness she claims to have acquired is actually a virus transmitted through close physical contact with another individual.
The woman, hailing from Zhejiang, shared her experience on Douyin (the Chinese equivalent of TikTok), recounting how blisters formed around her mouth following a karaoke session.
She speculates that the issue arose from holding the microphone too near to her face and mouth.
Subsequent medical tests indicated she had cold sores, commonly associated with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). According to Mayo Clinic, it can also occasionally be linked to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
Typically, HSV-2 is associated with genital symptoms.
The woman who made these claims has been experiencing symptoms for eight years.
Commonly referred to as cold sores, these are a prevalent viral infection.
As described by Mayo Clinic, “They are tiny, fluid-filled blisters on and around the lips. These blisters are often grouped together in patches. After the blisters break, a scab forms that can last several days. Cold sores usually heal in 2 to 3 weeks without leaving a scar.”
The virus is generally spread through kissing or other forms of close contact with an infected person.
While there is no cure for HSV, antiviral medications prescribed by healthcare professionals can assist in managing the symptoms.
The development of a cold sore involves several stages, beginning with a tingling or itchy sensation around the lips.
Blisters then form in the affected area, and they might also appear inside the mouth, around the nose, or on the cheeks.
Eventually, the cold sores begin to ooze and crust over.
When experiencing cold sores for the first time, Mayo Clinic notes that individuals may also endure symptoms like fever, painful gums, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Li.LAC, a tech company that manufactures a disinfecting device for microphones, highlighted that ‘contaminated microphones can spread harmful bacteria or viruses, like the flu or other diseases.’
The company elaborated, “This is particularly concerning in settings where multiple people may be using the same microphone, such as in recording studios, theaters, and conference rooms. In addition, microphones can harbor allergens and irritants that can trigger respiratory issues for those who are sensitive.”