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Cold sores
Also called: herpes labialis or fever blisters
Infection with the herpes simplex virus around the border of the lips.
Very common
More than 3 million US cases per year
Spreads easily
Can't be cured, but treatment may help
Usually self-diagnosable
Lab tests or imaging rarely required
Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
Oral herpes spreads through close personal contact, such as kissing.
Oral herpes causes tiny, fluid-filled lesions called cold sores or fever blisters, which can recur.
Medications can speed healing and reduce recurrence.
Ages affected
0-2 Rare
3-5 Common
6-13 Common
14-18 Very common
19-40 Very common
41-60 Very common
60+ Very common
How it spreads
By saliva (kissing or shared drinks).
By skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs).
By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others.
