Are Fever Blisters Contagious?

About 15-30% of the US population is commonly affected by fever blisters, also known as cold sores. Caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), these blisters commonly appear on the lips. Other conspicuous parts of the body where the sores may occur include the nose, cheeks, mouth, eyelids and fingers. After a person has had an episode of the infection, the virus usually remains in a dormant stage for many years, until it gets reactivated thus, causing the sores. Factors which scientists found to act as triggers to cold sores include infections such as common cold or flu, cracked or chapped lips, mental stress, menstruation or pregnancy, tooth extraction, or cosmetic surgery. Fever blisters may break out as a result of UV exposure, cold weather, or fatigue too. But are fever blisters contagious? The following has the answer to it.

For How Long are Fever Blisters Contagious?

This infection is highly contagious and has a tendency of spreading rapidly. Fever blisters contagious period prevails right from the time when the symptoms appear to the time when the sores have completely dried and crusted over.

# An episode of fever blisters has various stages. The first stage is characterized by a tingling sensation in the area which is going to experience the outbursts of the blisters. This tingling may be accompanied by, itching, soreness, tautness, or swelling.

# The next stage is known for the development of small blisters. This stage is followed by what is known as the weeping stage and the most contagious phase of fever blisters. In this stage, the blisters tend to rupture and result in a shallow reddish ulceration. The liquid which the blisters contain, probably home about millions of herpes simplex virus. This is the reason this stage has the highest risk of spreading the infection in the most rapid manner.

# Then comes the stage wherein, the sores become dry and scab over with a brownish crust. As time progresses, the fever blisters go on to the healing and the last stage. Here, the cold sores will get completely healed and in most cases, without any scarring. Usually, during the crusting stage, the infection stops being contagious.

Direct skin-to-skin contact is the easiest mode through which fever blisters spread from one person to another. Apart from direct contact with the open sore, saliva or droplets in the breath, and contaminated articles such as utensils, cup, lipstick or lip balm applicator, toothbrush, face towel, etc., when shared, may cause the transmission.

So, a straight forward answer to the question of how long are fever blisters contagious, would be, 'fever blisters are contagious in every phase of their infection, as the presence of the virus in each phase has maximum probability, apart from being immensely contagious in the weeping stage.' It has also been found that there is also a possibility of the blisters being contagious for some time even after the skin has healed.

Fever Blisters Treatment

Fever blisters have no cure and once the HSV has affected a person, the expectation for its eradication is something which is close to nil. However, the frequency of the outbreaks can be lessened, and the spread of the infection can be curbed. Affected people must refrain from sharing personal items and direct skin-to-skin contact with others, especially infants and those who are immunocompromised. Hands must be washed properly, and restrain touching other parts of the body, as much as possible. To avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, sunscreens must be applied on the lips and face to minimize the chance of a cold sore outbreak.