A 34-year-old member asked:
could use your help docs! my cold sore is all gone but is still red. is it still contagious to kiss?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
It is possible to: spread the herpes virus even it there is not an active lesion.
4028 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
Keller, TX
A 48-year-old female asked:
Does shedding of a cold sore lesson as years pass. Does a cold sore less contagious after having it for year?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Robert Killian answered
General Practice 28 years experience
Herpes Information: I believe you may be operating on old and outdated information. We now know
1. 90% of those infected do not have sores or outbreaks.
2. If you are infected you will shed the virus even without a sore at unpredictable rates and on an unpredictable schedule.
Anyone in relationship who is positive, their sexual partner needs to know their herpes status.
5148 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Can a cold sore stay contagious after the scab has come off?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
It is no: Longer contagious once the skin lesion has healed.
4912 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
How long would it take until my cold sore stops being contagious?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Once the skin: Lesion has healed. It is contagious in all active forms of the lesion.
4912 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Hoping you can tell me, is cold sore still contagious after the scab is gone?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
It is actually: Potentially contagious until the lesion has healed.
4912 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
How soon am i contagious after kissing someone with a cold sore?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A Verified Doctor answered
A US doctor answered Learn more
Now: Immediately.
4882 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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