How Long Is A Cold Sore (Herpes On Lip) Contagious?

• Cole Sore Symptoms
  • What Are Symptoms of Cold Sores?
• Causes
  • How Do You Get Cold Sores?
• Treatment
  • How Do You Get Rid of Cold Sores?

Cold sores are usually contagious for up to 15 days, from the first warning tingle until they have completely healed.

Cold sores (also called oral herpes or fever blisters) are painful blisters that form on or near the lips and inside the mouth.

Cold sores are contagious from the first warning tingle until they have completely healed. The herpes virus that causes cold sores spreads more easily when sores are present, but it is also possible to spread the virus when a person has no symptoms.

Cold sores are usually contagious for up to 15 days. They are most contagious when the blister bursts. Cold sores are generally no longer contagious once all cold sore symptoms have cleared, including the blister and any scabbing.

Cold sores are not the same as canker sores. Canker sores are also painful red or white sores that develop in the mouth and on the tongue, but they do not usually blister or form scabs.

What Are Symptoms of Cold Sores?

Tingling, pain, burning, or itching on the lips may occur about a day before cold sores erupt.

Symptoms of cold sores may include:

• Painful blisters on the lips, mouth, throat, or nose
• Scabs that form after blisters open
• Mouth and throat pain
• Neck swelling
• Feeling ill (malaise)
• Fever
• Body aches

How Do You Get Cold Sores?

Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), transmitted from person to person through kissing, sharing eating utensils, or other types of close contact.

People who give oral sex to people with genital herpes can also get cold sores on their mouth.