Cold Sores

A cold sore is caused by a virus called Herpes Simplex.  Some people call this infection a fever blister.  The virus is passed from someone’s cold sore to another person’s lip or skin close to the mouth.  The most common way to get a cold sore is by kissing someone who has a cold sore.  You could also get this infection by sharing lipstick, soft drink cans, or silverware with someone who has a cold sore.  The person who has the cold sore could get another sore in another part of the body from touching the cold sore and then touching another area.  This is how some people get the herpes virus in their eye.

Cold sores hurt.  They don’t look very nice.  They keep coming back and they can spread.  For these reasons we should all want to keep from getting cold sores.  Here’s how:

1. Don’t kiss anyone who has a cold sore.
2. Don’t share lipstick with anyone – the virus might be living in the lipstick even after someone’s cold sore is healed.
3. Don’t share soft drink cans, silverware or dishes with a person with a cold sore.
4. Don’t share towels or face cloths with someone with a cold sore.
5. Try hard to keep your hands away from your mouth and lips, especially at school.

If you have a cold sore, don’t touch it with your fingers or pick at it.  It will heal faster if you leave it alone.  If you do touch it, wash your hands and keep your hands away from your eyes.  Don’t expose other people or family members to your cold sore.  Get plenty of sleep to speed up the healing.

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Cold Sores