What do you get cold sores from

Q: Are cold sores a form of STD?

Although HSV-1 isnt technically an STD, you can potentially catch the virus through sex. If you receive oral sex from a person with HSV-1, theres a risk that the virus could make its way into your body through their saliva.

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Content disclaimer
What are cold sores?
What causes cold sores?
What are the symptoms of cold sores?
How are cold sores diagnosed?
How are cold sores treated?
Can cold sores be prevented?
Key points about cold sores
What is the main cause of cold sores?
Are cold sores a form of STD?

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

Cold sores are blisters around the mouth and nose, caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Cold sores can easily be spread to others, although most adults are already infected. They can be spread even when blisters are not present.
Cold sores will get better by themselves except in cases where they get infected by bacteria, occur in the eye or become widespread in people whose immune system is suppressed.

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The Western obsession with cleanliness may be partly responsible for the increase in allergic asthma and conditions such as rhinitis.
Careful prescribing of antibiotics will minimise the emergence of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.
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From other websites

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Cold Sores

Not what you're looking for?

What are cold sores?

Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth. They are also called fever blisters. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus. The most common strain of the virus causing cold sores is herpes simplex virus 1. It can be spread by kissing or sharing eating utensils or even sharing towels.

Herpes simplex is not curable. But may stay inactive for a long time.

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once this virus is in you, it can cause outbreaks of cold sores. Cold sore outbreaks are often triggered by exposure to hot sun, cold wind, a cold or other illness, a weak immune system, changing hormone levels, or even stress.

What are the symptoms of cold sores?

Some people don’t have any symptoms with the first attack. Others have flu-like symptoms and sores (ulcers) in and around the mouth. Symptoms may occur a bit differently in each person. These are the most common symptoms:

Tingling of the lips, commonly felt before cold sores appear
Small blisters on the lips and mouth that enlarge, burst, then crust over
Itching, dryness, and irritation of the lips and mouth
Soreness of the lips and mouth

How are cold sores diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider can often diagnose cold sores by looking at the sores. If the diagnosis is unclear, your provider may swab the sore and send it to the lab for examination.

How are cold sores treated?

Cold sores can’t be cured. But if symptoms are severe, treatment may help ease some symptoms. Treatment may include:

Antiviral ointments such as acyclovir and penciclovir to put on the sores. These work for some people but are often not very helpful.
Antiviral oral medicines such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir may decrease the time the sores are present or their severity.
Over-the-counter pain relief medicines to put on the sores (topical) may help with symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medicines may also help.

Cold sores take about 1 to 3 weeks to heal. The first time they appear, they can take up to 3 weeks to heal. But when cold sores return, they usually are less severe and take a week to heal if no medicines are used. Antiviral medicines may help, but they work best if started with early symptoms before a blister appears. Antivirals are usually not advised for otherwise healthy people. Always talk your healthcare provider or dentist if the sore doesn't heal or becomes worse as time passes.

Can cold sores be prevented?

If you have never had a cold sore, don't have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has an active cold sore. If you have had a cold sore, you may prevent or reduce the number of times they come back by finding out what triggers your outbreaks. Then stay away from that trigger. For instance, if sun exposure is a trigger, use sunscreen when in the sun. If you have outbreaks often, talk with your healthcare provider. Starting treatment as soon as you know you are getting a cold sore can help it heal faster.

The long-term use of oral antiviral medicines may prevent cold sores, but the benefit is very small. This approach is usually used only for people who get frequent and painful cold sores. Antiviral medicines put on the sores don't help prevent them.

Key points about cold sores

Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Cold sores can be spread by kissing or sharing eating utensils or even sharing towels.
Tingling often happens before the blisters appear.
Cold sores cause small blisters on the lips and mouth that enlarge, burst, then crust over.
Early treatment can promote healing and reduce the time it takes a cold sore to heal.
Using antiviral medicine on the sores does not prevent them or help them heal faster.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

Medical Reviewer: Michael Lehrer MD

Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN

Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

Not what you're looking for?

What is the main cause of cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by certain strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV -1 usually causes cold sores. HSV -2 is usually responsible for genital herpes. But either type can spread to the face or genitals through close contact, such as kissing or oral sex.

Are cold sores a form of STD?

Although HSV-1 isn't technically an STD, you can potentially catch the virus through sex. If you receive oral sex from a person with HSV-1, there's a risk that the virus could make its way into your body through their saliva.