If you want to know anything about how cold sores are spread, you will find plenty of information on the Internet. In fact there is nothing much to talk about how cold sores are spread other than it is highly contagious. There are only two major ways to get infected by the cold sore virus or HSV-1, and that is through sexual contact or through touch. This is why it is very important that you keep away from any person who has active cold sores outburst.

What Causes The Infection?

When you are looking for information about how cold sores are spread you will learn that cold sores are also known as oral herpes and are caused by the herpes simplex virus or the HSV-1.

This virus enters your blood and lives asymptomatically in your body until some type of weakness in your immune system activates it. Any type of illness can trigger it such as cold, injury, mental or physical stress, and so on. When the virus is activated, you will suffer from an active outburst which normally consists of a bunch of extremely painful blisters around your mouth.

There is no cure for this virus as there is no cure for any virus, yet. What you need to do is treat the outburst symptomatically and eat healthy aiming at strengthening your immune system well enough to overcome the virus. Keep in mind though that the virus will get re-activated every time your immune system shows any signs of weakness.

What You Can Do During The Outbursts To Reduce Your Suffering

You will find enough information about how cold sores are spread and treated on Internet. However, it is important that you consult a doctor before taking up any type of treatment or remedy you find anywhere.

You also need to be very careful when you are suffering from an outburst that you do not infect others. The information about how cold sores are spread will also tell you that you are at risk of developing genital herpes unless you are very cautious about your personal hygiene. Do not touch your eyes or genitals after you touched your (or anyone else's) sores. Always use sunscreen balm on your lips to prevent them from drying and causing more pain.

Take plenty of rest since the cold sore is an indication that your immune system is weak, and introduce health supplements into your diet.

cold sores

People who suffer from cold sore will attest that it’s no picnic. It is ugly and painful. When you’re in the office or out in the street a cold sore can definitely make you self conscious. Not only that, it is also a bit disconcerting not being able to kiss your girlfriend or boyfriend because you’ve got a cold sore.

The Virus

If your cold sores recur regularly, you stomach is probably tied in knots anticipating the next outbreak. The causes of frequent cold sores are the simplex herpes virus, to which 90% of every single human being is exposed to. This cause of frequent cold sores is not the same as the herpes that’s commonly related to STD’s. It differs in a sense that it is a milder kind of virus that affects only the upper body of the person carrying it.

The virus may lay dormant for years, until a catalyst causes it to erupt again. In fact there might not even be a catalyst. When it suddenly appears, the simplex herpes virus will manifest itself as a lesion in the mouth area. During this time you are highly contagious and will likely pass it on through contact.

Vitamin Deficient

Studies have revealed that the primary cause of frequent cold sores is a Vitamin B deficiency, Vitamin B12 to be exact. Vitamin B12 is composed of the corrin ring molecules and cobalt which is defined by a particular vitamin function inside the body. Vitamin B12 is also vital for proper brain and nervous system function.

Medical Treatment, When To Seek It?

When you’ve noticed that your cold sores have puss then go to a doctor. Chances are it’s probably been infected and littered with bacteria. Especially if you get a high fever and eye irritation it’s definitely time to seek professional help. This will weaken your immune system and the cause of your frequent cold sores may not be as simple as just a Vitamin B12 deficiency. A weakened immune system will affect your body’s ability to fight off other diseases. The cold sore could endanger your over all health.

There are a lot of recommended clinical measures and procedures to tame the cause of frequent cold sores. However, there is no permanent cure for this unsightly ailment. The methods of totally removing cold sores have awful side effects that could last for a lifetime. So a good supplement of Vitamin B12 and folic acid is enough to tame the cause of frequent cold sores.


cold sores