I am 35 years old. recently I got a cold sore. I have NEVER had one before. My family (mother and siblings) have had them but i have not. I have had no skin to skin contact with anyone that has ever had a sore. Can you please help me understand where it came from?

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Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

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Cold sores are caused by a herpes virus. You have probably contracted the herpes virus from your mother or siblings. You may have had the first infection as a child (most do), and therefore you may not remember the first outbreak. The virus may have laid dormant in your body until this day. Perhaps you’ve had some extra stress, or a bad cold, or some other factor that has provoked the activation of the herpes virus.

Medicine for cold sores include topical (cream) acyclovir and other herpes antiviral medicines. However, the most effective medicine for cold sores is acyclovir tablets. Take a 200 mg tablet 5 times daily starting immediately when the first signs and symptoms of a developing cold sore appear (tingling, pain etc..). This will all but eliminate the attack in most cases. Herpes medicines are generally safe and well tolerated, but as always, check medicine suitability for you with your doctor or pharmacist.