Why a Cold Sore is Contagious

When someone has a flu, additional pain is the last thing they would want to experience. For someone with fever blisters, one question normally lingers in their mind. Are cold sores contagious? Sadly they are. They are easily spread in many ways. Contact with the infected person, kissing, coughing and sneezing are some of the ways. The blisters are characterized by a burning sensation on the upper lip.

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is the sole cause of these blisters. The blisters are painful and occur randomly. They can be quiet embarrassing. The virus usually invades the body at age 5. It remains inactive until puberty when it's reactivated. Herpes should not be confused with these blisters. Herpes is caused by HSV-2 while fever blisters are caused by HSV-1.

There are various stages that this disease follows. The tingle stage is the first. The virus is activated. This is followed by the weeping stage. Here, the fever blister bursts open releasing a clear fluid. The crusting stage then sets in. A scab is formed during this stage. Are cold sores contagious at each stage? Yes. The risk of spread in higher during the weeping stage. The risk is highest during the crusting stage.

Once infected with HSV-1, its for life. It can lie beneath your skin thus reactivated easily. Stress, especially in women, can reactivate the virus. The variation of hormones in women is the cause of this. The menstruating period is a sensitive time. Exposure to sunlight is a major reactivating factor. Wear a sun screen. Cold sores are highly contagious especially if you share personal items. Toothbrushes, towels, napkins should not be shared.

allergies Pilss Drugs Online