If you have cold sores, you can help prevent transmission of HSV-1 by: avoiding close physical contact, such as kissing or oral sex, until the sore is fully healed. not touching your cold sore unless youre applying a topical medication.

Does kissing make cold sores worse?

Cold sores are contagious during all stages of the development and healing process, meaning you shouldnt kiss anyone, share eating utensils, have oral sex or engage in any other oral contact throughout the entire process of a cold sore developing and healing.

Is it possible to kiss someone with a cold sore and not get it?

The Mayo Clinic notes that cold sores are most contagious when oozing blisters are present, but you can still transmit the virus even if there is no active sore. To be safe and protect those you love, refrain from kissing or sharing contaminated items until all signs of the cold sore are gone.

Can I kiss my husband if he has a cold sore?

To keep the virus from spreading, your husband should be careful to avoid kissing and other skin-to-skin contact with you and with anyone else while he has a cold sore. He also should keep his personal items, such as towels and lip balm, separate from other people in your household during the time he has a sore.