Why Do Cold Sores Appear and How Can You Prevent Them?

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are painful blisters that can appear on or around your lips. They’re caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox and shingles in adults. Usually, HSV-1 shows up on your face, mouth, and lips, whereas HSV-2 shows up on your genitals. Save $10 on Herpes Testing.

First, We Will Explore How you catch cold sores

Cold sores are contagious, especially when the blisters are oozing, but in some cases, a person can be contagious even when the blisters are not present. Now that we know what cold sores are, what are the ways you can catch cold sores, whether through direct sexual contact or through contact that is not sexual?…

Sharing Drinks

Sharing drinks with a person infected with a cold sore puts you at risk of contracting the infection. Why sharing drinks can transit cold sores? Sharing drinks with others is highly unsanitary and can lead to spreading viruses and diseases. This is because saliva can transmit things like the common cold, strep throat, and HSV-1. Save $10 on Herpes Testing.

How to protect yourself from catching a cold sore from sharing drinks

As fun as it may be to share drinks, avoid it. Always drink from your own bottle, glass, or cup, and don’t share your bottle, glass, or cup with anyone.

Kissing

Kissing someone who is infected with HSV-1 is one of the primary ways of contracting a cold sore. Why kissing can transit cold sores? If you kiss someone who has a visible cold sore, you can contract HSV-1. However, even if the infected person does not have a visible cold sore, you can still contract it.

How to protect yourself from cold sores from kissing

You can refrain from kissing. However, you may also follow safe habits concerning kissing.

  • Limit kissing to one person who is also only kissing you.
  • If you want to kiss a new partner, discuss their sexual history before you do.
  • Be aware of the body of your partner. Are there any signs of a cold sore?

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Sharing Cosmetics

Another way to catch cold sores is by sharing cosmetics such as lip balm. Why sharing cosmetics can transit cold sores? It’s very common for family members and friends to share cosmetics, such as eye makeup or lipgloss. However, sharing eye makeup from someone with a contagious condition, such as pinkeye, can likely pass the condition to you. Likewise, sharing lipgloss from a person infected with a cold sore can pass HSV-1 on to you.

How to protect yourself from catching a cold sore from sharing makeup

This one is easy; don’t share makeup. If, for some reason, you have to share a lipstick or lipgloss from a friend or family member, wipe off the top layer to help avoid spreading germs.

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Sharing Razors

One of the non-sexual ways to contract cold sores is by sharing a razor with an infected person.

Why sharing razors can transit cold sores

Razors carry bacteria. That means they are capable of spreading blood-borne pathogens like hepatitis B or C, but they’re also capable of spreading HSV-1.

How to protect yourself from catching a cold sore from a razor

To avoid coming in contact with someone else’s bacteria, including someone infected with HSV-1, never share razors. Always use your own and do not allow others to use yours.

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Sharing Toothbrushes

You should never share toothbrushes, in part because it’s possible to contract a cold sore.

Why sharing toothbrushes can transit cold sores

Sharing toothbrushes is a perfect way to spread bacteria and viruses. You could catch a life-threatening infection, such as meningitis, or you could catch a cold. You can also contract a virus that will never leave your body, such as HSV-1. Remember that an infected person can still be infectious without visible signs.

How to protect yourself from catching a cold sore from sharing toothbrushes

Always use your own toothbrush, even with family and friends. It’s never wise to share.

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Sharing Towels

You may not realize it, but sharing towels with other people is another way to catch a cold sore.

Why sharing towels can transit cold sores

Cold sores are caught only by direct skin contact to the affected area. So how can you get it from sharing a towel? You won’t, unless, according to the Herpes Virus Association, there is warm pus on the towel that comes in contact with your skin. So even though catching a cold sore by a towel is rare, it can happen.

How to protect yourself from catching a cold sore from a towel

Even though catching a cold sore from a towel is rare, it is still advised not to share towels with others. Furthermore, towels can retain moisture and bacteria. You should dry your towel in an open space and not share it with anyone, including family members.

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Sharing Food

Although rare, sharing food with an infected person can pass HSV-1 on to you.

Why sharing food can transit cold sores

If an infected person puts food in their mouth and then shares it with you, they can pass on their cold sore virus. As Dr. Kaufmann said, as reported at Everyday Heath, “The virus can survive for a little while on non-living items.” These items include food.

How to protect yourself from catching a cold sore from sharing food

Sharing food is a fun thing to do with friends and family, but do it safely. For example, if you want to share a piece of cake with a person, cut the cake in half, place each half on a plate and enjoy the cake with separate forks.

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Sharing Utensils

It’s possible to get a cold sore by sharing utensils with an infected person.

Why sharing utensils can transit cold sores

Like sharing towels, the chances of catching a cold sore from sharing utensils with people is rare. However, if there is warm pus on utensils from an infected person and you make skin contact, you can catch it.

How to protect yourself from catching a cold sore from utensils

To be on the safe side, avoid sharing utensils.

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Sharing Straws

If you share a straw with a person infected with a cold sore virus, you can get a cold sore.

Why sharing straws can transit cold sores

Catching HSV-1 by sharing straws is another form of indirect contact, such as sharing utensils. As an example, saliva exists on a straw that’s being used. If the saliva is from an infected person, and you share that straw, you can contact the virus.

How to protect yourself from catching a cold sore from sharing a straw

To protect yourself, don’t touch other’s straws. Always use your own straw and only drink out of your own glass or cup.

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Oral Sex

One sexual activity that can result in oral herpes or cold sores is oral sex.

Why oral sex can transit cold sores

If a person performs oral sex on someone who is infected with HSV-2, they can get HSV-1 or HSV-2.
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How to protect yourself from cold sores from oral sex

As with all transmissions that can occur from sexual activity, practicing safe sex is always advised. However, as reported at John Hopkins Medicine, many healthcare professionals do not believe there is such a thing as “safe sex.” The only truly safe way, many healthcare professionals feel, is not to have sex. However, not having sex is unrealistic.

Therefore:

  • Limit sexual activity to one person who is also only having sex with you.
  • If you have sex with a new partner, discuss their sexual history before you act.
  • Use condoms, even during oral sex. A dental dam can be placed over the vagina or anus for oral sex.
  • Be aware of the body of your partner. Are there any signs of infection?
  • Avoid alcohol or drug use during sex. It can inhibit logical thinking and lead to unsafe sexual activity.

Final Thoughts

Although no cure exists for this condition, your doctor can help you with management. Also, your doctor may advise anti-viral medication to lessen the occurrence if you are getting repeated cold sores.

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