ask: Cold sores and Kissing

While I'm sure an outbreak is embarrassing, uncomfortable and disruptive, cold sores are very common. There's no cure once you've been infected, but you can take safeguards against spreading the virus to others and avoid some triggers, like stress or sun exposure. Hormonal changes can also trigger an outbreak.

I've never had a cold sore; but my husband gets an outbreak when he's feeling particularly stressed. So, it's important for him to minimize stress.

You're probably already doing the usual: washing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with open blisters, etc. You can also avoid food triggers, such as acidic or citrus fruit.

For more on cold sores and treatment, see:

eMedicine.net Cold Sore Causes

WebMD Cold Sores - Home Treatment

MayoClinic Cold Sores

The virus that causes cold sores is known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV), it is very contagious so you are correct on being concerned about protecting your love ones during outbreaks. I recommend supplements of L-Lysine year round 1,000 mg 3 times daily between meals during outbreaks and the rest of the time use 500mg. Studies show that taking lysine supplements can speed recovery time and reduce the chance of recurrent breakouts of the herpes infection

In addition, incluse vitamin C supplementation of at least 1000mg daily dosage and Zinc 30mg twice daily. If you have a very stressful life, keep a good supplemenation of Magnesium in your diet. Supplements of 1000mg daily dosage will help manage stress.