Cold sores

Cold sores, sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. Often the first sign of a cold sore is a spot that tingles, burns, itches, or causes discomfort. 

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). 

1. Herpes Simplex Type 1 usually causes an infection in or around the mouth, often called “cold sores” or “fever blisters”. Cold sores are most often spread by direct contact with a sore.
2. Herpes Simplex Type 2 usually causes an infection in, on or around the sex organs. It is spread by sexual contact.

How are cold sores spread?

Touching the sores or saliva from the mouth of someone with herpes simplex can spread the virus.

Kissing can also spread the virus. People with herpes simplex can spread the virus without visible sores or symptoms.

Once people are infected with the herpes virus, they have it for life. Some people will get cold sores repeatedly, though the sores may be less severe as a person ages.

What to do if a child has cold sores

The first time children are infected with herpes simplex, they may not feel ill. Some children do get very sick and may have a high fever, swollen glands and painful sores in or around the mouth. They can be sick for a week or more. The sores may hurt so much that the child can’t eat or drink and will need medical care.

Children with a first attack of herpes simplex that causes drooling from the mouth should not go to the child care centre or school until the sore is crusted over.

What to do at home

• Talk to your doctor about how to make your child comfortable.
• Teach children (and adults) not to touch the sores and to wash their hands frequently.
• Teach children not to suck their thumbs; they can spread the disease to their hands.
• Avoid putting your fingers in the child’s mouth when a cold sore is present.
• Avoid kissing or nuzzling a child when a cold sore is present.
• Wash and sanitize mouthed toys, bottle nipples, spoons, etc.
• Do not share food, drinks or eating utensils.
• Keep a child with cold sores away from newborn babies.

What to do at school or a centre

• Wash and sanitize mouthed toys, bottle nipples, sippy cups, spoons, etc.
• Do not share food, drinks or eating utensils among children and staff.
• Avoid kissing or nuzzling a child when a cold sore is present.