Sometimes people get cold sores when they have a fever, or they just appear randomly on their lips. What makes us wonder if the cold sore is really a sign of a cold or the flu? What if there was more to those blisters on your lips?

The truth is that cold sores are very common, and they are a sign that you have herpes. But what if your little one wakes up with those cold sores? Do not be afraid ; it's not as bad as you think.

There are so many sexually transmitted diseases, and of all of them, herpes isis proven to be the most mysterious. There is so much confusion about how the herpes simplex virus actually affects the body and how it actually is. Yes, you can have herpes without having sex.

Although having a cold sore is confirmation that you have some form of the herpes virus, you are not alone in this boat, as nearly half of the population of the United States of America have also one form or another of the herpes virus.

Types of herpes

HSV-1 / Oral Herpes

The HSV-1 types of herpes causes cold sores in the mouth area, so some people call it oral herpes. It can also cause cold sores around your genital area, and the frequency of the outbreak decreases over time.

More than half of humans have it as adults, and it can be passed on through sharing a cup, oral sex, and kissing.

HSV-2 / genital herpes

The HSV-2 type of herpes also causes cold sores around the mouth, but triggers sores near or on the genital area. The outbreak also decreases in frequency over time and is transmitted through skin-to-skin sex.

It is a common form of STI but not a more common type of herpes than its little sister, HSV- 2 types of herpes.

But my five year old has herpes, how come?

Although it may sound strange, it is very possible, and many people have reported cases of cold sores around their child's mouth. Such situations arise because herpes can be transmitted by sharing utensils such as spoons or cups with infected people, or even an innocent kiss from a friendly infected relative.

So if it is true that both types of herpes can be sexually transmitted (including oral sex), sexual intercourse is not the only way to spread the infection. Consult a doctor with your child to seek appropriate medical care.

I haven't had a cold sore outbreak in years, is it possible my herpes is gone? Sorry to tell you, but currently there is no cure for herpes so once it enters your system it finds a way to put it back for life.

However, some people go years between sores and others who experience frequent outbreaks. Many people reached from HSV-1 may not experience a breakout more than once in their lifetime, so it all depends on your body type.

How can I tell a cold sore from a giant pimple?

Cold sores hurt more than zits. Before the cold sores appear on the surface, you should feel pain in the area where they are about to appear.

Also, pimples can appear anywhere they see fit, but cold sores only appear around the lip area and can sometimes appear as a blister filled with front liquid from appearing and crunching and can last about a week.

For some people, cold sores do not appear as blisters; their outbreaks look like a chapped area on the lip.

I just noticed cold sores around my mouth, what should I do?

See your doctor and get tested to find out what type of herpes you are dealing with.

The fact that you have cold sores should not affect your daily activities in any way, as this is not the type of infection that can be transmitted when you mingle with people (unless you wanted kissing everyone and forcing them to drink from your cup or eat from your spoon).

Once you have determined what type of herpes you have, you can try following these tips below to help you heal quickly.

If the sore is in your mouth area, wipe a damp cloth over it several times a day. The damp towel can help reduce the sting, reduce redness, and control crusting in the area. If you have petroleum jelly, this is also a great way to reduce the tingling sensation.

Just rub a small amount on the wound, and you're good to go. If you are a makeup lover, it is perfectly normal to apply makeup to wounds, but don'tforget no washing your hands and all makeup materials with hot soapy water after use.

Avoid picking the area with your hand or makeup brushes, as this will slow down the healing process. If you have outbreaks frequently, consult your doctor and ask for the right medicine to use. And avoid kissing people or sipping coffee from friends and family members until your sores heal so you don't infect them as well.

If the wound is in your genital area, use a damp cloth to help reduce pain and speed up the healing process. Peeing can hurt, and if it does, pee in the shower. Peeing in the shower dilutes the liquid, so it hurts less.

There are over-the-counter medications and creams that can help speed up the healing process and control the frequency of outbreaks, but you should consult your doctor before buying or using any of these.

In the meantime, stay away from sexual activity and explain to your partner why, it's the best option for both of you until you finally heal.

How soon do I have to get tested in the event of an epidemic?

If this is your first outbreak of cold sores, you should see your doctor immediately and get tested. It's nothing serious or painful, just a quick swab or blood draw and you're done.

However, even if you have never had cold sores, it is advisable to have regular tests STI/STD if you have been sexually active. It doesn't matter that you have had sex with only one person or regularly used protection; you need to get checked out.

Should I tell people about my condition?

You don't necessarily have to tell the world that you have herpes; only important people need to know. By important people, I mean people who would be offended if you don't drink from their cup or let them drink from your, and the people you have sex or kisses with.

The reason you have to tell them that is so they don't accuse you of intentionally infecting them. It's their right to know, and it would be wrong for you to share an illness with someone out of self-interest.