What are Cold Sores?

Cold Sores are the result of a virus known as Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

Most get exposed to the virus when they are children. In fact, an estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1 infection globally; and there is no cure for it. Once you have been exposed to HSV-1, it will always be in your system; even if you never get cold sores or other symptoms.

Cold Sores are spread by close contact, for example: if you touch someone’s face and then touch your own, or kiss someone that has a cold sore; you can catch the virus. You can also get herpes simplex (cold sores) by sharing a fork, a coffee cup, lip balm, lipstick, a razor you get the picture) with someone who has it. This is most likely to be contracted from someone who has an open cold sore, however, it is possible to contract the disease from someone who does not have an open sore or blister visible.