Are Cold Sores Contagious

Cold sores are infectious diseases characterized by development of small, reddish blisters on the lips and around the mouth. At times, cold sores are developed in the tongue, gum, hard palate, inside of the cheeks, nostrils and chin. Also referred to as fever blisters, they are caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two strains of this virus, namely, HSV-1 and HSV-2, both of which have the virulence to cause cold sores in humans. Usually, the symptoms of cold sores appear about 20 days after exposure to the virus. Among the several doubts about this condition, are cold sores contagious and when are cold sores contagious, are some of the common queries that trouble many people. Read more on:

• Cold Sores on Lips
• Cold Sores on Tongue
• What Causes Cold Sores

Are Cold Sores Contagious?

Cold sores are extremely contagious; the HSV virus can spread easily from one infected person to another. Spreading of HSV virus can take place even if the infected individual does not manifest any noticeable symptoms. The various modes for spreading HSV are as follows:

• Direct skin to skin contact with the cold sore infected person spreads HSV.
• HSV spreading also takes place though respiratory fluids of the infected person, while coughing or sneezing.
• Indirect handling and/or touching of the infected person's possessions like toothbrush, towel and clothes can also spread HSV virus.
• Immediate family members and children of the infected person are highly susceptible to getting cold sores as the virus can spread even through a simple touch.

As per medical studies, HSV is present in about 80 percent of the global population. Once a person gets infected with the virus, it remains in his/her body either in a dormant state or in an active state. Outbreaks of cold sores are rare in healthy individuals. The chances of active cold sores are higher among people who have a weakened immune system, and in those who are suffering from an underlying health condition.

When are Cold Sores Contagious?

There are several stages of cold sore outbreaks which vary in virulence and symptoms. In the initial stage, the infected site feels a tingling and burning sensation. Also, there will be mild pain in the area where the infection occurs. Even though the detectable symptoms of cold sores are absent at this stage, the risk of spreading HSV is still high. This is due to the fact that the HSV virus is reactivated after the dormant stage. Within a few days, small and hard blisters appear on the lips and mouth portion.

After a few days, the blisters break open, from which clear fluid oozes out. This particular stage is called the weeping stage, in which the risk of spreading HSV is the highest. Following this, the cold sores crust over and heal without leaving scars. A cold sore virus can spread even when the sores crust and scab is gone, though the virulence is comparatively lower in this stage. The symptoms of cold sores may last for about 2 weeks. Read more on how long do cold sores last.

Apart from the risk of spreading HSV from the infected person to another person, it is also to be noted that this virus can overspread to various parts of the infected individual. In addition to the blisters, the noticeable symptoms of cold sores include fever, swollen glands, body inflammation and sore throat. Many a times, the symptoms of cold sores are confused with canker sores. Cold sores are not curable but they can be treated. However, there are certain home remedies to reduce the recurrent onset and spreading of cold sores. Read more on:

• Home Remedies for Cold Sores
• How to Prevent Cold Sores
• How to Get Rid of Cold Sores

With this information, I hope you got the answer for 'are cold sores contagious'. In order to prevent the spreading of cold sores, one should practice personal hygiene, consume healthy foods and avoid contact with the infected person.