How Can I Prevent Cold Sores?

Do you avoid kissing, intimate contact and oral sex with someone who has cold sores?

Do you avoid sharing personal items with a person who has cold sores (e.g. towels, razors, dishes, cutlery, toothbrushes, drinking glasses, straws, lip balms, or lipsticks)?

Do you try to avoid things that can cause cold sores such as stress, colds or flu?

Do you always wear sunblock on your face and lips when outdoors?

Do you strive to stay healthy and strengthen your immune system (by leading a healthy lifestyle)?

Do you rest as much as you need?

If you do get a cold sore, do you know that you should not touch it to prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the body (for example, your eyes or genitals)?

Do you use any antiviral medication to prevent cold sores prescribed by your doctor?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you prevent cold sores. One way to protect yourself from the virus that causes cold sores is to avoid skin-to-skin contact with an infected person during an outbreak, as well as contact with their body fluids. This means refraining from kissing and sexual activities until the blisters disappear completely. Also, you should avoid sharing personal items, eating utensils, and drinking cups with someone who has a cold sore. It is not uncommon to have more outbreaks when your immunity is weakened or you are tired, so try to be healthy, avoid stress and get enough rest.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent cold sores. Cold sores can often appear after exposure to strong sunlight, so it is good to protect your lips and face with a sunblock when you are outside. If you have a cold sore, avoid touching it to prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the body. If you do touch it, be sure to wash your hands afterwards. Instead of a finger, you should use a cotton swab when applying a cold sore cream. If you often have cold sores, your doctor may recommend prescription antiviral drugs to prevent them.