subject: Four Cold Sore Prevention Tips [print this page] Cold sores are caused by what is known as HSV-1 or herpes simplex virus-1. This virus causes sores to show up on the lips, in the mouth, inside the nose, on the face, or even on the genital area. Once it is contracted, it never goes away. Sure, it will go into remission and the blisters will disappear, but the virus is always in the body. Some cold sore prevention tips are listed below.
Tip 1 - Don't drink after other people
Even if you are absolutely positive that your best friend doesn't get cold sores, it's always better to be safe than sorry. It will also keep you from getting into the habit of drinking after other people.
Tip 2 - Avoid sharing Chapstick
Anything that comes into contact with someone else's mouth is best avoided all together; lip stick, eating utensils, drinking straws, etc.
Tip 3 - No kissing when open sores are present
The quickest way to come into contact with the herpes simplex virus is to kiss someone that has blisters present. Even sores that are hidden inside the mouth and that don't come into direct contact with the other person's lips can still transmit the virus. The virus can still be present in the infected person's saliva.
Tip 4 - Don't touch the infected area at all
If you touch a person's cold sore with your finger and then touch your own lips, then you have a great chance of contracting the virus as well. Rubbing or caressing an area that has blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus, can easily pass the virus on to the person doing the touching. Just about any skin-to-skin contact allows the virus to spread.
Hopefully these cold sore prevention tips are useful in keeping this bothersome virus from being passed on to even more people.
