COLD SORE PREVENTION

The only way to prevent oral herpes is to avoid contact with infected persons. This is not an easy solution because many people aren't aware that they are infected and can easily infect others. As of early 1998 there were no herpes vaccines available, although herpes vaccines are being tested.

Several practices can reduce the occurrence of cold sores and the spread of virus to other body locations or people. These practices are:

Avoidance of sun exposure to the face. Before getting prolonged exposure to the sun, apply sunscreen to the face and especially to the lips. Wearing a hat with a large brim is also helpful.
Avoid touching cold sores. Squeezing, picking, or pinching blisters can allow the virus to spread to other parts of the lips or face and infect those sites.
Wash hands frequently. Persons with oral herpes should wash their hands carefully before touching others. An infected person can spread the virus to others even when he or she has no obvious blisters.
Avoid contact with others during active infection. Infected persons should avoid kissing or sexual contact with others until after the cold sores have healed.
Wear gloves when applying ointment to a child's sore.
Be especially careful with infants. Never kiss the eyes or lips of a baby who is under six months old.
Be watchful of infected children. Do not allow infected children to share toys that may be put into the mouth. Toys that have been mouthed should be disinfected before other children play with them.
Maintain good general health. A healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and exercise help to minimize the chance of getting a cold or the flu, which are known to bring on cold sores. Also, good general health keeps the immune system strong which helps to keep the virus in check and prevents outbreaks.

COLD SORE RELATED ITEMS

	COLD SORE DEFINITION
	COLD SORE DESCRIPTION
	COLD SORE CAUSES
	COLD SORE SYMPTOMS
	COLD SORE DIAGNOSIS
	COLD SORE TREATMENTS
	COLD SORE PROGNOSIS
	COLD SORE INFORMATION
	COLD SORE PREVENTION