What is a cold sore?
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are caused by the HSV-1 virus and are very common. They can be easy to recognise as they usually appear as red bumps then develop into blisters around the lips and mouth. You can find out more about cold sores here.
What causes cold sores?
Cold sores are caused by HSV-1, a form of the herpes simplex virus. In fact, an estimated 67% of the global population carries the HSV-1 virus because it’s so contagious. Once infected, the virus never leaves the body.
Most people aren’t exactly sure when they first encountered HSV-1. It’s usually contracted in early childhood where it may not appear as a visible cold sore.
What happens when I get a cold sore?
For the majority of people, HSV-1 remains inactive throughout their lives and they may never know they have the virus. Most sufferers have 2 or less episodes per year, but 5-10% experience a minimum of 6 episodes a year. The HSV-1 virus ‘wakes up’, infects the cells in or around the lip or mouth and causes a visible and contagious sore. Cold sores usually occur after something has triggered the virus, like a run-down immune system or cold, dry weather leading to dry, chapped lips.
Learn more about the herpes virus
Learn more about the herpes virus
