Most cold sores clear up on their own, but some are worth getting checked. Come in if you have a fever of 100.4F or higher, pain that keeps you from eating or drinking, a sore near your eyes, blisters that spread, or a weakened immune system. No referral needed, and walk-ins are welcome.

Cold sores move through predictable stages. They usually start with a day or two of tingling, itching, or pain before small blisters appear and fill with fluid. The blisters then break and weep, crust over into a golden-brown scab, and the scab typically falls off within six to 14 days.

A cold sore, sometimes called a fever blister, is a small fluid-filled blister on or around your lips. It's caused by the herpes simplex virus, which stays dormant in your nerve cells and can flare up now and then. Stress, illness, or sun exposure often trigger an outbreak.

If you’re infected with the virus, it’s important to avoid triggers such as stress, fatigue, and excessive sun or wind exposure. You can also strengthen your immune system by getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet. If you’re prone to outbreaks from sun exposure, wear sunscreen and limit time in the sun. If you are not infected with the virus, protect yourself by avoiding skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a cold sore, washing your hands after contact, and not sharing utensils or personal items.

Cold sores are most commonly spread through direct contact with the fluid from an active blister, such as through kissing or touching the sore. The virus can also spread via contaminated surfaces, including shared utensils, towels, or lip products. Additionally, oral sex can transfer the virus between the mouth and genitals. Even when sores aren’t visible, HSV can sometimes shed from the skin, making it possible to contract the virus from someone who appears asymptomatic.

Cold sores are extremely common, affecting a significant portion of the global population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 67% of people under the age of 50 worldwide are infected with the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the primary cause of cold sores. In the United States, it’s estimated that about 50% to 80% of adults carry the virus, although not everyone will experience visible outbreaks. Many people contract HSV-1 during childhood through nonsexual contact, such as being kissed by a relative with an active cold sore.

Yes, cold sores are very contagious and most contagious when they burst. If you have a cold sore, you should avoid kissing, oral sex, or sharing eating or drinking utensils until your cold sore is completely healed.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, a common virus that can remain inactive in the body. Cold sores are not directly linked to colds, fevers, or the flu; however, individuals with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to outbreaks.