Are Cold Sores Contagious?V
The mere fact that so many people in winter suffer from cold sores and fever
blisters, makes one think that we catch them just like we catch a cold from other
people and germs floating around.
But are cold sores really contagious, or is it just a coincidence that so many
people get them at the same time of year, under similar conditions?
The answer is yes and no.
Let me explain. The cold sores at different stages of development have a
different degree of being able to be passed on with direct contact.
The cold sores themselves, usually occur when the herpes Simplex virus HPV-1
starts to multiply in your skin. This causes the red blotches and fluid filled
little fever blisters to form around your mouth, lips or nose.
As the virus lies dormant in most of us since childhood, it just needs the right
conditions to wake up and start multiplying.
As it happens these conditions occur at the same time for a large number of
people, so the cold sore phenomenon happens simultaneously to a lot of people
as they live under the same conditions. Every experiences winter at the same time
in the same region. So every ones body has to cope with similar stress and exposure
to the elements simultaneously, causing the outbreak of the virus into cold sores
at the same time.
But is it contagious as well. Yes, when the sores are moist or liquid filled
blisters, any contact with the sores will be enough to infect you. If your
antibodies are not sufficiently strong, you will then get cold sores as well.
So being very conscious of sharing utensils, lipstick, or direct contact with
infected people should be avoided. The virus being transmitted to you, may just be
enough to start a chain reaction and infection with you.
When the cold sores have healed and a scab has formed, they are no longer
contagious. The worst part is the liquid if a blister is popped, that is the most
dangerous form of contact.
As always, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. So always be
aware of the possibility of infected objects being around you in the event of
persons with cold sores being in our vicinity.
In other words, treat cold sores as contagious, even though they can occur
without a new infection.
|
