You can spread the virus even when you dont have any symptoms of a cold sore, though youre usually most contagious when you have them. However, this is much less likely than if contact occurred when a cold sore was present. Cold sores are contagious until they go away completely, which usually takes about two weeks.

How long is oral herpes contagious?

Cold sores are typically contagious for up to 15 days. You need to wait until all your cold sore symptoms have cleared – including the blister and any scabbing – to reach the point when cold sores are not contagious anymore.

Is oral herpes permanent?

There is no treatment that can get rid of the herpes virus from your body. Once you are infected it will remain in your body, even if you never get another episode. An episode of oral herpes will clear up on its own, usually within a week or so.

How easy is it to get oral herpes?

Oral herpesis spread most commonly from individuals with an active outbreak or sore. You can catch oral herpes by engaging in intimate or personal contact (e.g., kissing or oral sex) with someone who is infected.

What is the best treatment for oral herpes?

The best treatment for oral herpes is antiviral oral medication. Symptomatic treatment may include antiviral ointment, over-the-counter topical anesthetics or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents.

Can you live a normal life with oral herpes?

People with herpes have relationships and live totally normal lives. There are treatments for herpes, and theres a lot you can do to make sure you dont give herpes to anyone you have sex with. Millions and millions of people have herpes — youre definitely not alone.

What can be mistaken for oral herpes?

Herpes symptoms can be mistaken for many other things, including:A different STI which causes visible lesions, such as Syphilis or genital warts (HPV)Irritation caused by shaving.Ingrown hairs.Bacterial vaginosis (BV)Pimples.Yeast infections.Haemorrhoids.Bug bites.

What is the strongest medicine for herpes?

Like other herpes medications, valacyclovir is highly effective. Studies show that it reduces the amount of time required for healing during a herpes outbreak, as well as reducing your risk of transmitting the herpes virus to other people. Valacyclovir starts working almost as soon as you start taking it.

Can you live long with herpes?

Genital herpes is essentially a minor, sometimes recurring, skin infection; cold sores which occur on the genitals rather than the face. It does not cause long-term ill health or affect longevity of life. People who get genital herpes can and do lead perfectly normal lives.

Does oral herpes get worse over time?

It might be annoying, but herpes doesnt get worse over time or cause serious health problems like other STDs can. If you dont get treated for herpes, you might keep having regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while.