Cold Sores
What happens when you get
   a cold sore?
Know what triggers cold
   sores
Cold sores are easily spread
Treatment options

To what extent do cold sores affect
you?
If cold sores are having a negative effect on the way you feel about yourself and your appearance, there are treatments that can help you manage your outbreaks. Talk your doctor to find out what you can do to manage cold sores.

Cold Sores: For Many, They're a Problem That's Hard to Face

Cold sores are easily spread

That’s why they’re so common.
Cold sores are most contagious during an outbreak, from the first warning signs you get (prodrome) until the sores have completely healed. There is also a risk of transmitting the virus in between outbreaks.

There are, however, things you can do to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others:1,2

  • Avoid kissing anyone during an outbreak or if you think you are going to get an outbreak.
  • Sucking on a finger or thumb can lead to infection of the finger or thumb. Children especially should be strongly discouraged from the habit if they have cold sores.
  • Avoid touching your sores. If you do touch them, wash your hands with soap and water afterwards. Do not put contact lenses in or near your mouth as this may lead to infection of the eyes.
  • Do not share lipsticks, lip balms or face cloths.
  • Never perform oral sex on your partner if you have any symptoms of a cold sore.
  • If you do have oral sex in between outbreaks, make sure you protect your partner’s genitals by using a non-spermicide, non-lubricated latex condom or a dental dam.

 

References

 
1. Sacks S. The Truth About Herpes. 4th Ed., 1997. Gordon Soules Book Publishing Ltd.

2. Ebel C, Wald A. Managing Herpes: How to Live and Love With a Chronic STD. Research Triangle Park, NC: American Social Health Association; 2002.

3. Patrick DM, Dawar M, Cook DA, et al. Antenatal seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in Canadian women. Sex Trans Dis 2001;28(7)424-8.

4. Whitley RJ, Kimberlin DW, Roizman B. Herpes simplex viruses. Clin Infect Dis 1998;26(3):541-53.

5. Aoki FY. Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections 2006 Edition: Genital Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections. Public Health Agency of Canada http://phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/sti_2006/pdf/sti2006_e.pdf. Accessed May 15, 2006.

6. Kemeny ME, Cohen F, Zegans LS et al. Psychological and Immunological Predictors of Genital Herpes Recurrence. Psych Med 1989;51:195-208.

7. Valtrex®  (valacyclovir hydrochloride) Product Monograph. GlaxoSmithKline Inc., May 2006.

8. Famvir®  (famciclovir) Product Monograph. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., January 2004.

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