Cold sores, commonly known as fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus—most often HSV-1, though HSV-2 can sometimes be responsible through oral-genital contact. These highly contagious blisters are typically spread through direct contact, like kissing or sharing drinks, but can also be transferred via contaminated objects such as towels or lip balm.
They often begin with a tingling or itching sensation, followed by the development of fluid-filled blisters that eventually burst and scab over. A full outbreak usually lasts around 7 to 10 days, but the virus never truly leaves the body—it simply hides, waiting for the right trigger. And those triggers? They can appear at the worst possible times…