Everything you need to know about Cold Sores
Welcome to coldsorefacts.com.au, a premium internet resource for useful information about cold sores, including facts about how they can be spread, what you can do to prevent them and a review of the newest and most effective cold sore treatments on the market.
Cold Sore Facts
| Cold sores are caused by a common virus which affects an estimated 8 out of 10 people.[1] | |
| Cold sores are NOT something that you get from being dirty, careless or going through puberty - they are caused by a widespread virus that is as easy to catch as the flu. | |
| Once you catch a cold sore, the virus resides inside the body permanently (just like every other virus) and for some people this can mean that a cold sore may pop up from time to time. | |
| Over 75% of adults have been exposed to the cold sore virus at some time in their life.[1] | |
| Approximately 30% of people have recurring cold sore symptoms[2] | |
| The rate of cold sore symptoms coming back is typically once every three months, or four times a year. However many people never experience symptoms (or very rarely) and some people experience them more regularly than this. | |
| It can take a few days for a cold sore to develop when you first contract the virus, usually between 2 to 20 days after contact. [3] |

Image of a cold sore and swelling on the bottom lip
Learn more about cold sore prevention , helpful cold sore remedies and cold sore symptoms.
References:
1. Cunningham A.L., et al, (2006) "Prevalence of infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in Australia: a nationwide population based survey", Sexually Transmitted Infections Research Centre: University of Sydney, Apr;82(2):164-8
2. D. Scott Smith, M.D., (2008) "MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Herpes labialis", US National Library of Medicine
3. Hilton, Lisette., (2002) "Cold Sore", Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Other Helpful Resources: Global Herbal Supplies | Sexual Health Resource | STD Information | Herpes & Cold Sores Support Forum
