The Common Condition of Cold Sores

Cold sores, also known as type 1 herpes simplex ( HSV-1), is so common and easily transmitted, that people can get it from just kissing a family member.

HSV-1 affects millions of people all over the world, according to various medical statistics. For example, Herpes Online stated that an estimated 80 to 90 percent of the entire human population experience oral herpes infections by age 12. Also, a MedlinePlus article stated that most Americans have HSV-1 by the age of 20.

There are two common types of herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1, and HSV-2, but, HSV-1 is more common of the two. HSV-2 is known as genital herpes and is sexually transmitted. However, cold sores are a different story.

According to MedlinePlus, cold sores are painful blisters on the skin of the lips, mouth, gums, or lip area. Symptoms usually occur within one to two weeks after contact with an infected person. Although symptoms do not always occur, the virus remains in the nervous tissue of the face, and may recur in the same spots on the face. A person with HSV-1 can usually feel when cold sores are about to appear two days before they surface, because they get a tingling, or burning sensation in the area. This is the typical cycle of a cold sore: small, clear to yellow fluid filled blisters form on the skin on a raised, red area, then they break and ooze. Afterwards, a yellow crust forms and later reveals pink, healing skin. Mild fever may also occur. The symptoms last for about seven days. The sores are treated with a topical cream that can be purchased over-the-counter as well as prescribed by a doctor. According to Netdoctor, cold sore recurrences are less frequent with age.

Although, it is not a pleasant concept that one can get herpes from simply kissing a family member, it does occur. Medical sources differ on the different ways to contract HSV-1; however, many sources list human contact as a common cause. Netdoctor states that herpes are transmitted through close contact with an infected person, which can be anybody. Also, most people will have come into contact with the virus between the ages of three and five but will not show any symptoms until after puberty.

A KidsHealth article stated that most people are infected with the herpes simplex virus during their preschool years, most likely from eating or drinking after someone who has it or getting kissed by an adult with the virus. According to the medical website, Herpes Guide, HSV-1 can be passed by sharing cups, cans, glasses, eating utensils, towels and food items such as sandwiches. However, according to Herpes Online, the herpes virus cannot survive outside of the body for more than 10 seconds, and slightly longer in a warm moist atmosphere. MedlinePlus stated that it's possible for the virus to be transmitted even when there are no symptoms or visible sores. Therefore, looks can be deceiving.

Cold sores are not fatal, however, they are a nuisance and not a pleasant site. Avoiding HSV-1 seems virtually inevitable if one does not already have it. The best thing to do is stay informed about the virus, and do not neglect treatment of the symptoms, because prompt treatment can reduce the length and duration of the infection period.