What makes cold sores contagious

However, they are actually contagious from the time you first feel any symptoms around your mouth, like tingling or itching, until they are completely healed. Cold sores are contagious at all stages with stage 3 being the most infectious due to the opening of blisters that ooze infected fluids. Cold sores are contagious from the initial symptoms to the resolution.

From Day , cold sore blisters are full of virus that spreads through saliva, skin-to-skin contact, or by touching an object handled by someone infected with the virus. You can spread the virus even when you do not have any apparent symptoms of a cold sore yet. However, this is much less likely than if contact occurred when a cold sore is present. The fluid in the blisters contain the virus, therefore cold sores are most contagious when the blisters ooze.

The first cold sore episode will generally occur two to 20 days after being in contact with an infected person. Cold sores, caused by a type of virus called herpes simplex type 1, are contagious until they completely go away, which usually takes about two weeks. Cold sores are the most contagious when fluid seeps out of the sores. There's no cure for cold sores and they may….

Without treatment, fever blisters can last up to four weeks. After treatment, you…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Cameron White, M. Transmission Incidence Symptoms Treatment Preventing spread Takeaway Overview Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that usually appear on or around the lips and mouth. How are they spread? How common are they?

How do I know if I have the virus? How are they treated? How can I avoid spreading them? The takeaway. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy. About Our Ads. Children's Privacy Policy. Sign up now. Search Box Clear. Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox?

Products Categories Goals Brands. Our Commitment Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program brings oral health education to more than half a billion children around the world. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Top Articles. Why Are Cold Sores Contagious? How to Stop Cold Sores From Spreading By practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact, you can prevent your cold sore from infecting those you love. Just follow these steps: Keep hands-off. The only time you should touch a cold sore is when you apply a cream, no matter what stage the blister is.

Most people contract it during childhood. HSV-1 is highly contagious. People can transmit it to another person by kissing or sharing utensils, towels, or other personal care items. The virus can then enter the body through a small cut in the skin. Once a person has HSV-1 in their system, it is there for life, as there is currently no cure. The virus can remain dormant for long periods but may reactivate at any point. In some cases, however, the virus may never become active.

Many people with the virus do not develop cold sores. A person can transmit HSV-1 to others when the virus is inactive. However, a person is much more likely to pass on HSV-1 when cold sores are present. People who develop cold sores may experience them less frequently as they age.

Reactivation also tends to be more common in the first year after the initial outbreak. Symptoms typically last for up to 2 weeks , though some people may not develop any symptoms at all. Many people experience a burning, itching, or tingling sensation on or around the lips 1—2 days before a cold sore appears. This is called the prodrome stage.

During the next stage, fluid filled blisters will develop. Around a third of people experience cold sores at the same location each time. Within 48 hours , the blisters tend to burst and leak fluid. This stage can be painful and may last for around 3 days. This is when the cold sores may be most contagious. In the final stage, a scab forms over the wound.