Most people contact the HSV-1 virus as children. After the primary infection, the virus retreats along sensory nerve pathways, going into a latent phase in the sensory nerve ganglion. While it doesn't affect the nerve, it remains there inactive. For those who experience cold sores, the virus is usually reactivated by some form of external trigger. 1-5
The HSV-1 virus can be spread through skin-to-skin contact by anyone with an infection -- whether by kissing or other close personal contact6.It is contagious through all 5 stages of the outbreak.Infection most often results from kissing or sharing food and/or utensils from an infected family member. As such, it is very common to have many members of a family suffer from cold sores.6Transmission of HSV-1 by coughing and sneezing or from towels, countertops or clothing is unlikely. The HSV-1 virus is inactive at room temperature or in any situation that would cause it to dry out.
1. Young SK, Rowe NH, Buchanan RA. A clinical study for the control of facial mucocutaneous herpes viral infections. Oral Surgery. April 1976:489-507. 2. Ship II, Miller MF, Ram RN. A retrospective study of recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) in a professional population, 1958-1971,1977. Oral Surgery. November 1977:723-730. 3. Burton JL. Viral skin infections. In: Essentials of Dermatology. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 1985:114-125. 4. Spruance SL. Herpes simplex labialis. In: Sacks SL, Straus SE, Whitley RJ, Griffiths PD, eds. Clinical Management of Herpes Viruses. Washington, DC: IOS Press; 1995:3-42.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Cold sore. Available at http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00358 5. Whitley RJ, Roizman B. Herpes simplex virus infections. Lancet 2001; 357:1513-18 6. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Cold sore. Available at http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00358
*ABREVA Risk-Free Guarantee: If you aren't completely satisfied for any reason, save your receipt and remaining product, and call 1-877-709-3539 to get your money back.