How Is The Cold Sore Virus Spread?

If a person has an active cold sore on their lip the virus particles can be transferred to any part of the body that they kiss, including the mouth, face or the genitals.

Keeping this in mind, it is very important to avoid kissing and oral sex during an active bout of cold sores.

It should also be made aware that the virus is considered to be contagious from the very first sign of an outbreak (including the tingling, itching stage) until the area is completely healed again.

It is important to take precautions during an active cold sore outbreak to prevent the virus from spreading. Treatments such as Choraphor and Zovirax can help to shorten the duration of the outbreak dramatically.

Herpes and cold sores are most easily spread when a sore is present, but, the virus can also be spread at other times too.

Some people notice itching, tingling or other sensations before they see anything on their skin. These are called "Prodromal Symptoms" and they warn that the virus may be present on the skin.

Herpes is most likely to be spread from the time these first symptoms are noticed until the area is completely healed and the skin looks normal again.

Contact with the infected area (including oral sex, kissing and touch) is very risky during this time.

It is also possible to transmit virus particles to another person through intermediate objects such as a drinking glass, eating utensil, lip stick, lip gloss, toothbrush, or even a face cloth.

Are Cold Sores Contagious?

Yes. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus and, if the virus particles are transferred to another person they too can become infected.

Cold sores are typically spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with the virus. Kissing or rubbing against the infected area are common examples of how the virus particles can be transferred.