Cold Sores: Information You May Not Know

Did you know that cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus? Many people are aware that cold sores are a type of herpes. However, many people are mistaken in thinking that cold sores are the same type of herpes as the herpes found in the genital area. In actuality, cold sores and genital herpes are caused by two different viruses. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex 1 virus, while genital herpes are caused by the herpes simplex 2 virus.

Another piece of information you may not be aware of is that cold sores are very contagious. Yes, that's correct, cold sores can be easily transmitted from one person to another. The most common forms of transmission are kissing and sharing objects. Many objects are articles of transmission such as towels, washcloths and drinking glasses. In fact, don't even share a razor with someone who uses it to shave their facial hair, because even a razor can transmit the germ that causes cold sores.

Additional information that may enlighten you about cold sores is that you can spread cold sores to different areas of your own body, if you are not careful. For example, if you touch your cold sore and do not wash your hands immediately after, you are running the risk of transmitting the germ to other areas of your body. Then, you might end up with several cold sores in different places. Keep in mind that the virus that causes cold sores cannot be eliminated once it is in your system. Unfortunately, it stays there forever. So, be aware and always wash your hands after touching a cold sore.

You can expose young children to cold sores by just kissing them on the cheek. Yes, it's true, if you have a cold sore and you kiss someone on the cheek, you are increasing their risk to catch the cold sore. Skin to skin contact is all you need to transmit the cold sore virus.

There are many things to remember about cold sores in order to avoid spreading the cold sore germ. Avoid using other people's personal products. Always wash your hands after touching your own cold sore or coming into contact with someone else's cold sore. Remember that if you have a cold sore, it is a contagious virus that can be transmitted to others. In addition, be aware that if you infect someone else with the virus, then they will likely infect someone else and so on. So, the cycle will never be broken.