When is herpes simplex 1 contagious

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy. About Our Ads. Children's Privacy Policy. Sign up now. Around a third of people experience cold sores at the same location each time.

Within 48 hours , the blisters tend to burst and leak fluid. This stage can be painful and may last for around 3 days. This is when the cold sores may be most contagious. In the final stage, a scab forms over the wound. The scab may crack or bleed until it finally clears up. Once the skin is clear of the cold sore, it is no longer possible to transmit it to someone else. Most cold sore outbreaks do not require a visit to the doctor.

They typically clear up on their own within 7—12 days. Trying home treatments during this time can reduce discomfort. They can also prevent transmission to other parts of the body and other people. People should see their doctor if cold sores are severe or persist beyond 15 days. A doctor may recommend:. People who experience regular outbreaks may need to take prescription medication to keep their symptoms under control. In these cases, the cold sores may not go away on their own.

Medical treatment can also help prevent complications. When cold sores are present, people should take extra precautions during contact with people who have weaker immune systems.

This includes children and newborn babies, whose immune systems have had less time to develop. People can also take measures to reduce their chance of experiencing a cold sore outbreak. These include:. There is currently no cure for cold sores. Recurrent Herpes Simplex Labialis. How Contagious Are Cold Sores?. Everyday Health.

Cold Sore. Mayo Clinic. Can Cold Sores Be Prevented?. National Center for Biotechnology Information. By clicking the link s above, you will be taken to an external website that is independently operated and not managed by GSK.

GSK assumes no responsibility for the content on the website. If you do not wish to leave this website, do not click on the links above. You are now leaving the Abreva. GSK assumes no responsibility for the site. Search Search. How Are Cold Sores Spread? Is a Cold Sore Contagious? When Are Cold Sores Contagious? Cold sores usually heal in two to three weeks without leaving a scar.

Cold sores spread from person to person by close contact, such as kissing. Both of these viruses can affect your mouth or genitals and can be spread by oral sex. Cold sores are contagious even if you don't see the sores. There's no cure for cold sores, but treatment can help manage outbreaks.

Prescription antiviral pills or creams can help sores heal more quickly. And they may reduce the frequency, length and severity of future outbreaks.

Signs and symptoms vary, depending on whether this is your first outbreak or a recurrence. The first time you have a cold sore, symptoms may not start for up to 20 days after you were first exposed to the virus.

The sores can last several days, and the blisters can take two to three weeks to heal completely. Recurrences typically appear at the same spot each time and tend to be less severe than the first outbreak. Children under 5 years old may have cold sores inside their mouths and the lesions are commonly mistaken for canker sores.

Canker sores involve only the mucous membrane and aren't caused by the herpes simplex virus. 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. Shared eating utensils, razors and towels might also spread HSV Cold sores are most contagious when you have oozing blisters because the virus easily spreads through contact with infected body fluids.

But you can spread the virus even if you don't have blisters.