Cold sores are small blisters that are usually seen on the lips or around the mouth. These are also known as fever blisters. These lesions are filled with fluid and may or may not be painful. They are caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. The infection doesn’t show many noticeable symptoms at first and is particularly common in children. Since the infection spreads through contact, it is essential to prevent it by following these preventive tips:

1. Keep clean
When trying to avoid getting an infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), or trying to prevent the spread of cold sores, it is important to keep things clean. If there are kids in the house, make sure the infected person does not come in contact with the toys, and that they are cleaned thoroughly. There is a huge chance that the kids might contact it through some infected fluid on their toys.

2. Avoid extreme climates
Cold sores are often seen on or around the mouth in a spot that tingles, burns, itches, and generally causes discomfort. The condition is aggravated if the person is exposed to extreme temperatures. It is advised to stay away or stay sheltered in case of extreme freezing or very hot temperatures.

3. Isolate
The HSV virus travels via bodily fluids from one person to another. To avoid the spread and prevent others from getting infected it is wise to isolate and not come in their contact. This is especially essential since the infected person cannot be sharing their food or utensils with others at the dinner table. It’s best to also avoid sharing things like personal hygiene products and make up.

4. Maintaining distance
It is difficult for kids to refrain from jumping around touching toys and other things. It is even more difficult for them to remember all the things they are not supposed to do when infected with cold sores. It is important to help them remember not to shake hands, touch, kiss, or hug and jump along with their friends. The rule is applicable to adults as well. One should remember to not pick up, hug, or kiss other people as it might cause them to contract the infection.

5. Stay put
One of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of cold sores is by staying indoors. It is also one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of any infection. Health care professionals have long been asking people to follow this and stay home when not feeling well. This gives the recovering person time to relax, recuperate, and recover. It also prevents them from coming in contact with anyone else and passing on the virus to them.

6. Protect the lips
Another common and easy to follow prevention tip for cold sores is to protect the lips. Adding a layer of protection to the lips, in the form of petroleum jelly, or other lip balms can help them from drying up or being itchy. This keeps the lips from cracking. Since cracked lips have a greater chance of contracting the HSV virus, it is safer to always carry a lip balm to use whenever needed. Lip balms with SPF protection are even better as they add in the protection of sunscreen.