The Herpes virus (cold sores) brings with it a lot of irritation and heart break, but the risk of passing on this annoying problem to others around them, is the biggest concern for most sufferers. When you look in the mirror and see your cold sores, and then look down at your children, it is truly heartbreaking when you realize that you can't even give them a kiss on the cheek for fear of passing on the virus. It's the same when you go on a romantic vacation with your lover, knowing you can't touch them with your lips in any intimate way because those cold sores aren't completely healed just yet.

The spread of Herpes is a very serious concern, especially when you are talking about cold sores which many sufferers do not completely understand. If you are unfortunate to find yourself infected with this virus, it is important that you play your part in the prevention of the spread of the virus by learning about the stages of an outbreak, when you are, and when you are not contagious, and of course most importantly, how you can treat cold sores in the long term to prevent future outbreaks.

Stages of a Cold Sore Outbreak

This is the first thing you have to completely explore after being diagnosed with Herpes Simplex Virus 1. You will find that there are very clear phases of each and every outbreak. For example, the out break starts with the tingling sensation that tells you that the cold sores are on there way and ends with the scabbed over crusty sores that eventually trail off and disappear.

You will find that as you learn about the various stages of an outbreak you will also learn about different cold sore treatment options that can potentially lessen the duration of an outbreak. You will also learn very critical information about how to prevent the spread of the virus by avoiding contact with others during critical phases of the outbreak.

Starting with those tingling sensations that tell you an outbreak is on the way, and on through the entire outbreak, it is advised that to be completely safe, you keep your mouth away from others.

Preventing Cold Sores

Once you have educated yourself on how cold sore outbreaks work and are up to date on how to prevent any outbreaks you may have right now and in the near future from spreading to those you love, it's time to start learning about potential cold sore treatment options that could prevent future outbreaks.

It is unfortunate but true that you can never completely get rid of the virus. The virus will always be there, lurking under the skin, presenting an ever-present risk of an outbreak. Yet, you can control the way you live your life and prevent cold sores from overtaking your life.

How to Treat Cold Sores

Finally, learning how to treat cold sores is absolutely vital to controlling its spread. By preventing your own outbreaks from surfacing on your face, you will have far less to worry about in avoiding passing on the virus to others around you. You will be able to kiss your loved ones and have an active sex life without worry if the blisters are not present!

In the end, reducing the spread of Herpes really comes down to preventing and controlling active outbreaks for people who already have the virus. If you have the virus it is your absolute duty to learn how to treat cold sores effectively and reduce their appearance. That is the only way to stop the spread of the virus.

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