Cold sores are a known symptom of a sexually transmitted disease called oral herpes which is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is known to be highly contagious, so we usually find ourselves avoiding people who have cold sores.

But were you aware that there are numerous instances when people who are infected with cold sores do not display any noticeable symptoms? You can actually be HSV-positive and not experience cold sore outbreaks. Even so, you can still transmit the virus and spread the infection. Learn more about how contagious cold sores are.

How the Herpes Virus is Transmitted

The primary and most common means by which the herpes virus is transmitted is through direct skin contact with herpes sores or blisters. If you observe your cold sores closely, you’ll notice that the blisters are filled with fluid. The herpes virus is actually present in that fluid.

This means that if you touch a cold sore, you are exposing yourself to the virus. If you have cold sores and someone happened to touch or had direct contact with your cold sores, the likelihood that the virus will be passed on is very high. In short, during a cold sore outbreak, you really should avoid kissing and giving oral sex.

The virus may also be present in your saliva, especially if your cold sores formed inside your mouth. This is why experts advise against sharing your glass or eating utensils while eating when you have cold sores. But after your drinking glass and eating utensils have already been washed clean, other people can use them without having to worry about getting infected.

Asymptomatic Shedding of the Herpes Virus

However, skin contact with a herpes blister or infected bodily fluid is not the only way by which the virus can spread. There’s a phenomenon called asymptomatic viral shedding. It happens when you don’t even have cold sores but you are shedding and transmitting the virus.

What this means is that other people can still contract the disease from you even if you are not going through a cold sore outbreak. Studies have shown that although the rate of viral shedding is higher when you have cold sores, the asymptomatic shedding rate is still quite high at almost 30%.

A 2016 study revealed that viral shedding can occur for 4 days during an 11-day cold sore outbreak. It was also found that asymptomatic shedding may occur at a rate of more than 27%. This means that you can still transmit the virus in 65 out of 240 days without cold sores.

Herpes Treatment Options

You may have already heard of numerous home remedies like lemon balm oil that are considered effective in providing relief for cold sores. However, if you want to reduce viral shedding or lower the frequency of your recurring cold sore outbreaks, you should see your doctor and get a prescription for antiviral medication.

There are several types of antiviral medicines available, but the ones that are usually prescribed for oral herpes are valacyclovir, famciclovir, and acyclovir. The latter is actually the oldest prescription medication for herpes. It became available in topical ointment form back in 1982. Acyclovir became available in pill form in 1985.

Famciclovir contains an active ingredient that stops the herpes virus from replicating. Famciclovir can remain in your body for a long time, so you don’t have to take it daily unless your doctor says so.

Valacyclovir is the new-generation prescription medication for herpes. Its active ingredient is actually also acyclovir. However, valacyclovir is formulated in such a way that it is able to deliver the active ingredient to your system more efficiently, increasing your body’s absorption of the medicine.

Depending on whether your treatment is episodic or suppressive, your doctor will provide instructions on how often you should take your medicine. If your treatment approach is episodic therapy, then you’ll need to take your antiviral medication as soon as you feel that you’re about to have a cold sore outbreak.

On the other hand, if your doctor recommends suppressive therapy, it means that you’ll have to take your antiviral medication on a daily basis. This will help suppress the virus so that it will become less likely to cause another flareup.

Episodic therapy is advantageous if you want to shorten the time that you experience herpes symptoms. Suppressive therapy, on the one hand, is advantageous for people who tend to experience frequent cold sore outbreaks.

Is It Alright to Have Sex When You Have Cold Sores?

If you have oral herpes but your partner doesn’t, it is best to avoid any intimate skin contact whenever you have a cold sore outbreak. This way, you’ll be able to minimize the chances of your partner contracting the disease as well.

However, as long as you take precautions, you may still engage in sex even when you have cold sores. For instance, you can wear a protective barrier over your mouth so that even when you accidentally touch your lips to your partner’s skin, you will be able to lower the chances of your partner getting infected.

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