Are Fever Blisters Contagious

About 15-30% of the US population is commonly affected by fever blisters, also known as cold sores. Caused due to the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), fever blisters on lips are common. They mostly appear on the conspicuous parts of the body i.e., nose, cheeks, mouth, eyelids and fingers, other than lips. The herpes virus, which may have affected a person, usually remains in a dormant stage for many years. However, in an event, wherein, the virus is triggered due to certain factors, the usual outcome is the outbursts of fever blisters on the body. Dry or injured lips, sleep disorders, insomnia, stress or menstruation are among the factors which are responsible for reactivating the virus and developing the blisters. Other causes which may result in a sudden outburst of the blisters may include tooth extraction, common cold, over-exposure to the UV rays, disorders of the digestive system, influenza, etc. But when are fever blisters contagious? The following has the answer to it!

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 sore has completely dried and crusted over.

An episode of fever blisters has 5 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 blister. 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. So, that is the reason why this stage is considered to be holding the risk of spreading the infection most rapidly. Then comes the stage where in, the sores become dry and scab over with a brownish crust. As time progresses, the fever blisters go on to the healing and the final stage. Here, the cold sores will get healed completely and in most cases, without any scarring.

Direct skin-to-skin contact is the easiest mode through which fever blisters spread from one person to another. Apart from direct contact with infected saliva or droplets in the breath, the infection is also contagious when contaminated articles such as eating utensil, cup, lipstick or lip balm applicator, toothbrush, face towel, etc., are shared.

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 certainly contagious in the weeping stage.' It has also been found that there also lies 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 it's eradication is something which is close to nil. However, the frequency of the outbreaks can be lessened and the spread of the infection to others can be curbed. To know about different treatment and remedies for fever blisters, read more on:

• Cures for Fever Blisters
• How To Get Rid of Cold Sores
• Home Remedies for Cold Sores Cure

Affected people must refrain from sharing personal items and direct skin-to-skin contact with others, especially infants and those who have weak immunity. Hands must be cleaned well and restrain touching other parts of the body, as much as possible. Sunscreens and other similar products must be put to use and so should different measures in order to avoid the triggers, as cited above. Know more on how to prevent cold sores.

So, this article took you through different aspects which center fever blisters and have also dealt with the question, 'Are fever blisters contagious'. Hope it helps!