ABOUT COLD SORES

What are cold sores? How are they transmitted?

Cold sores (oral herpes) are a common infection on or near the lips and mouth area.1 They are caused by a certain type of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).2 The virus is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected individual.3 What that means is, if you have a cold sore (or even the beginning of one), and you engage in mouth-to-mouth kissing or mouth-to-genital oral sex, the virus can be transmitted to your partner's mouth or genitals.4 This is why oral herpes is becoming an increasingly common cause of new genital herpes infections.5

What are the symptoms?

The first outbreak of cold sores is usually the most severe and may cause extensive blistering. Symptoms include: 1

  • Sores in the mouth, on the gums, or near the back of the throat.
  • Swollen glands, particularly the lymph nodes in the neck.

Recurring outbreaks tend to be less severe than the first, and become less frequent over time. Outbreaks typically proceed through the following stages: 1

What can trigger cold sores? How can I help avoid an outbreak?

Prolonged periods of stress can weaken the immune system and make you vulnerable to illnesses. 1 Exposure to sunlight can also trigger an outbreak.1

Learning how to manage stress and eating a healthy diet can go a long way toward keeping your immune system healthy so that it can help protect you from recurrent outbreaks.6 In addition, always use a sunscreen on your face and liberally apply a sunblock to your lips before going out in the sun. 1

How can I help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to my partner?

Cold sores are most contagious during an outbreak, but there is also a risk of transmitting the virus in between outbreaks.2 To help reduce the risk:

  • Avoid: kissing anyone during (or just before) an outbreak, sucking on a finger or thumb,1 or touching your sores2 (if you do touch them, wash your hands).1
  • Do not put contact lenses in or near your mouth,1 or share lipsticks, lip balms or face cloths.1
  • Never perform oral sex on your partner if you have any symptoms of a cold sore.1
    If you do not have symptoms, make sure you protect your partner's genitals by using a non-spermicide, non-lubricated latex condom or a dental dam.7

What treatments are available?

Antiviral medications are available over-the-counter or by prescription to help treat cold sores.

NOTE: Like all medications, antiviral medications may cause side effects. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects associated with these treatments.


References
Print
  1. Sacks SL. The Truth About Herpes. 4th ed. West Vancouver, BC: Gordon Soules Book Publishers Ltd.;1997.
  2. College of Family Physicians of Canada. Herpes - What it is and how to deal with it. Available at: Ask Your Family Doctor College of Family Physicians of Canada. Accessed Aug. 16, 2010.
  3. Whitley RJ, Kimberlin DW and Roizman B. Herpes Simplex Viruses. Clinical Infectious Diseases 1998;26:541-55.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Fact Sheet - Genital Herpes. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm. Accessed Aug. 16, 2010
  5. Public Health Agency of Canada. Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections; Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infections. 2008 Edition. Available at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/sti-its/guide-lignesdir-eng.php. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
  6. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. Sexually Transmitted Infections: What are they? Genital Herpes. Available at: http://www.sexualityandu.ca/teens/sti-1-3.aspx. Accessed Aug. 16, 2010.
  7. Health Canada. It's Your Health: Genital Herpes. Available at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/alt_formats/pacrb-dgapcr/pdf/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/herpes-eng.pdf. Accessed Aug. 16, 2010.