Cold sores aren’t contagious – that’s a commonly known fact. But there are still misconceptions about whether they are or not. Because people are often unsure of this, they end up asking doctors and other health professionals the same question over again: are cold sores contagious? In this article we’ll look at this frequently asked question and offer our own answers.

There are two facts you need to know about when trying to answer the question, ‘are cold sores contagious?’ Firstly, the answer isn’t yes. They aren’t, in fact, spread by the virus that causes cold sores. However, cold sores are more likely to be contagious when there are open breaks in the skin, such as when a blistered area around the mouth opens slightly. These open areas can then easily become filled with fluid, causing a breakout.

The answer to the next question is, however, not as simple as it sounds. How long do cold sores last? They usually last from two to four weeks before fading away completely. This is largely dependent on the type of blister that has developed. If it’s a cold sore with a fever of around 101 degrees Fahrenheit or so, chances are it will be gone within a week, while a more moderate-level outbreak may linger for a few more weeks.

How long do cold sores last even without contact with another person? This is something that can be hard to answer, because it all depends on the individual. Some are more easily affected by cold sores than others, and can heal far more quickly. It’s important to note that an outbreak of the herpes simplex virus can be brought on by the development of any number of different types of viruses. This means that there is no set period of time that is considered to be “infectious.”

How long do cold sores last when they are spread by skin-to-skin contact? This too is largely up to the individual. Those who are prone to cold sores and have an increased risk of spreading them tend to have larger blisters that tend to stay open for longer periods of time. Those who are at a decreased risk of spreading the herpes simplex virus tend to produce smaller blisters that often heal more quickly.

Is it possible to prevent cold sores altogether? No. While fever blisters are much less common than herpes outbreaks, they can happen at any time and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Those with weakened immune systems are not as likely to have outbreaks, but they are not immune to fever either, so they could experience the same issues.