Cold Sores

Yes, cold sores are very contagious and are spread through close contact like kissing, oral sex or sharing cutlery.

Even when your cold sore scabs over, it will still be contagious, but it’s at its highest in the blister form when it’s wet and oozing.

You should refrain from touching your cold sore (apart from when you’re applying treatments) and avoid close contact with others to avoid spreading the virus onto surfaces and to other people.

Cold sores are usually harmless to older children, but they can be very dangerous to babies as they’re immune systems aren’t fully developed.

If you’re a caregiver with a cold sore, it’s vital that you do not kiss or share things such as spoons and cups with your baby - but don’t worry, the virus cannot be transmitted via breast milk.

If you think your baby has a cold sore, they will need medical assistance immediately as the consequences can be severe.

Cold sores are small, fluid-filled blisters that are often grouped together; they appear on or around your lips due to the herpes simplex virus.

When this blister bursts, the cold sore will scab over, usually disappearing in a couple of weeks without leaving a scar.

They’re very contagious and can be spread by close contact like kissing or sharing cutlery.

Although you won’t be able to cure a cold sore completely due to there being no cure for the herpes virus, you can alleviate the pain and appearance.

Avoid acidic or spicy foods to not aggravate your cold sore, and apply ice to soothe the pain.

You can also use remedies that include a numbing and antiviral agent to ward away a cold sore when it first appears.