Sure Start Speke

A viral infection that has affected most of the population is cold sores. These nasty blisters can be prevented as well as the length they stick around shortened. The big question that everyone seems to have is, are cold sores contagious?

This virus cannot be completely killed by the body so it appears as these sores. There is no cure by any medicine that is available on the market today. People generally get these sores on their lips. The first attack of the virus is generally the worst. It is called the primary attack, usually hitting before the age of ten. Another name a lot of people call these by is fever blisters. The blisters are red and filled with fluid. These blisters usually last only a few days and then disappear.

Research has shown that most people get infected before age ten. This first attack is called the primary attack and some attacks can be so severe that a doctor is needed. The causes also vary from person to person. Some conditions associated with the sores are contact with an infected person, fever, colds, stress, and damage to the skin area, the sun and hormonal changes. These are also associated with re occurrences. Sometimes there is no cause for a re occurrence, it just happens. If and when they do reoccur they will generally show up around the same spot as they were located before.

The prevention of sores is possible. Some ways to prevent getting cold sores is to avoid contact with the person infected. Do not touch or kiss that person. Even if there are no blisters on the person and they have cleared up that person could still be contagious because the saliva could still be carrying the infection.

Also, do not share any of your things such as, eating utensil, towels, or lip gloss. Make sure to always wash your hands so the virus is not spread. Another good idea is to limit your sun exposure and war sunscreen all the time. Also, remember not to touch any other area of your body because the sores could spread there as well.

Depending on your preference you could choose to take a pill to relieve your symptoms or use a type of cream. Also, there are several at home remedies to try. Some of the things that have worked for other people is changing your diet, using nail polish remover on the area, using vitamin supplements or putting on a cold compress to relieve some of the pain.

Another great natural supplement that works is Lysine. It is an amino acid and is in some foods that you probably already eat daily. These foods include cheese, milk, fish, chicken and most vegetables. If you are looking for a type of cream Abreva is the only FDA approved treatment of cold sores. It is a topical, over the counter cream that is applied to the affected area. It reduces itching and pain. Both of these can be purchased at any local store.

When wanting answers to the question are cold sores contagious look no further than the person next to you. AT some point everyone will be exposed to this virus and depending on how your body handles it will determines how the symptoms appear in your body.