Are Cold Sores Contagious?
Written by on October 31, 2008Maybe if you have had a cold sore, or have kissed someone who has had one, you have probably wondered, “Are cold sores contagious?”
You will learn in this article that cold sores are very contagious. They are so contagious that an active cold sore doesn’t even have to be present to spread.
It is estimated that over 80% of the population have the herpes simplex type 1 virus in their systems. It is thought that most people will have this virus, even if it is dormant, by the age of five.
Even if the virus isn’t producing any cold sores, the virus remains in a person’s body for life. When the virus becomes active, sores usually appear on or around the mouth, but they can be present anywhere on the body.
It is also essential that you realize that cold sores contagious behaviors are so potent that you don’t need an active outbreak to spread on the virus.
The most common way HSV-1 is spread is by using a toothbrush, drinking cup, or lip balm of someone that is infected. Any way you can share saliva with someone has the potential of spreading the virus.
However, there are higher chances of getting HSV-1 when there is an active cold sore present. Before a cold sore is completely healed, there are various stages that it must go through.
The highest contagious period is when the cold sore is weeping. This is when the cold sore opens and leaks out a clear fluid.
It is also very common to spread the virus when the cold sore virus is activated in the tingling stage, but has not blistered. You should also be careful when the sore begins to crust over to form a scab.
Just remember to keep your hands clean and avoid any contact with the cold sore to other people or to other areas of your own body.
Please also be aware cold sores contagious attributes are so potent that they not only spread to other people, but are capable of spreading to other body part. The HSV-1 infection of the fingers, called herpetic whitlow, is very painful.
This is why it so important for an infected person to wash their hands frequently, especially after touching the cold sore area or applying medication.
