What are cold sores and fever blisters?

Featuring Dr. Egidius Stockenstrom, MD

Duration: 1 minute, 28 seconds

Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by an infection of the herpes simplex one or two viruses on or around the mouth.

You get a cold sore from direct contact with another person with an active outbreak of the virus. You can avoid getting a cold sore by avoiding direct contact with a person with an active outbreak of a cold sore.

There is some new evidence lately supporting the theory of asymptomatic shedding, in other words, you can transmit the virus without actually having an active outbreak.

Various local applications are available for symptomatic relief of cold sores. The only effective treatment remains the treatment with an antiviral, either cream or oral medication. Now, the treatment with these antivirals should be initiated very early on in the disease. It should be initiated when you receive your warning signs that a cold sore is imminent.

It is recommended that you consult your healthcare provider to obtain a prescription and detail how you should handle your cold sores.

Presenter: Dr. Egidius Stockenstrom, Family Doctor, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Family Doctor