No reason to worry: The vast majority of adults test positive for HSV 1, the virus that causes cold sores. It's so common most are exposed in childhood. Many get an initial cold sore & never get another. Many never even get a single cold sore. Some get recurrent cold sores if under stress or eating foods like nuts & chocolate. If you don't get cold sores it's nothing to worry about.Only contagious if you have a sore.
Answered 6/8/2017
3.8k views
Relax: Most people have this virus by puberty, usually with no symptoms. The virus is shed periodically in the absence of symptoms so most transmission is from 1 person with no symptoms to another person who never knows it. The sores occur when the skin produces thymidine kinase as a normal part of inflammation related to sun exposure or any minor injury. They are NOT due to "stress" or any food!!!!!
Answered 12/23/2015
3.8k views
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
A doctor has provided 1 answer
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your question