When are Fever Blisters Contagious - Understanding Lip Sores

The herpes cold sore virus is a virus that lies dormant even when you are not having an active cold sore episode. The hsv 1 virus (herpes simplex 1) can be transmitted to another person at anytime, however it is said by experts to be more contagious during the time of a cold sore eruption when the fever blister goes through the predictable stages of the tingle, sore, scab and healing.

It is important to avoid kissing someone, sharing cups, oral sex and other contact where the virus may be passed on to another via your saliva or lip. Sometimes we innocently share chapstick or coffee so be conscious of this. Also it's important to wash your hands often or use a hand sanitizer as you may be touching your cold sore and then having contact with another person which could spread the virus. When we have an active fever blister sore we tend to touch it to measure if it's going down, bleeding etc. Remember that it is contagious. Also to touch the cold sore will only slow down it's healing.

Many people have already been exposed to the herpes simplex virus and are not susceptible to contracting it. Not everyone is vulnerable to a lip cold sore. In fact they say the majority of people over fifty have been already exposed to the hsv 1 virus. Depending on the strength of one's immune system and other factors, an eruption may or may not occur. It's critical to exercise good hygiene during an active fever blister cold sore breakout to protect others and accelerate your own healing. The scab on the lip may go through a few cycles of healing and re-opening due to the location of the cold sore and it's exposure to weather, stimulation through eating and activity. This is why it's important to use a program that will help prevent and quickly heal these fever blister eruptions.

Learn how to prevent and stop a cold sore quickly at Healing Cold Sores Quickly.