Protect yourself from the spread of cold sore with these top tips
The first question people ask is ‘Are cold sores contagious?’ The answer is yes.
The cold sore virus can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. It can enter your body through the mucous membrane in your mouth or damaged skin. It then remains dormant inside a group of nerve cells until a cold sore trigger awakens it.
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HSV-1 is a form of the herpes simplex virus that usually affects the lips, but can also affect cheeks, nose or mouth or rarely even spread to the eyes or genitals.
False, HSV-1 is a form of the herpes simplex virus that usually affects the lips, but can also affect cheeks, nose or mouth or rarely even spread to the eyes or genitals.
Cold sores are contagious from the first tingle until completely healed.
False, Cold sores are contagious from the first tingle until completely healed.
You can stop the spread and protect others from the virus by following these simple and effective tips.
Don’t touch
If you find yourself touching your cold sore, stop! If you just can’t, remember to wash your hands right away. Your cold sore is contagious throughout its entire cycle, especially during the blister stage. When it’s weeping or seeping, stand clear!
Keep it clean
When you're washing your face or applying make-up, wash your hands thoroughly. Watch out if you use contact lenses too. Don't use saliva to wet your lenses. Also consider using glasses instead of contact lenses during a cold sore.
Sorry, no kissing
Kissing is sadly off the agenda when you have a cold sore, as you’re very likely to pass on the virus. It’s not just kissing on the mouth. It’s not as common, but the cold sore virus (HSV-1) can spread to other parts of the body, like the eyes and genitals.
Don’t share
It’s not just direct skin-to-skin contact that spreads the virus. Things like towels, food, utensils, straws, cups and glasses, lipsticks and lipbalms can all come into contact with your saliva. If someone else uses them, they can get the virus too.
Recognise the tingle
Don’t be fooled by a sneaky cold sore. It’s contagious before you even see it. When you feel that tingling, itching, or burning on or around your lips, it’s precaution time. Take the same steps as you would as if there was actually already a visible cold sore.
Avoid your triggers
Try to limit cold sore flare-ups by knowing your triggers and taking action to avoid them. Fewer outbreaks means a lower risk of infecting others.
Take extra care
Kids get cold sores too. Actually, the HSV-1 virus is often first contracted during childhood. Take the same precautions with children as you do with other adults, even if that means you have to avoid hugging or kissing them. Be extra vigilant around those vulnerable to infections like pregnant women, babies and those who are ill.
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