text: what could it be? one of my co-workers has sores around his mouth this morning, he is also complaining about chest pains.  what could it be that is wrong with him? he says that he has flu, but these are open sores and i have never heard of anyone getting flu that gave you sores like these.  is he infectious? yes, it sounds like a mouth herpes! stay away from him and tell him nicely he should go see the doctor.