How Cold Sores Spread
When cold sores on your lip or around your mouth (known as oral herpes virus, HSV-1) are present, use caution during contact with others, especially with people who have weaker immune systems. There are different ways to contract the oral herpes virus, but the most important to avoid is through direct skin-to-skin contact. Other ways the virus can spread to another person are through kissing, sharing utensils, and sharing a toothbrush. Oral herpes can transfer to other parts of the body, including eyes and genitals if proper precautions are not taken during the time of the outbreak. It’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after touching your cold sore.
To help avoid spreading cold sores to other people or to other parts of your body, consider the following precautions: