Why Do People Get Cold Sores?

Cold sores are little bumps on your lips that appear when the cold sore virus wakes up. It's like a sleepy kid who suddenly starts jumping around again. The virus lives inside you and can come out whenever it feels like it, often after something stressful or when your immune system is busy fighting another infection.

Take the quiz →

Examples

  1. A kid gets a cold sore after being sick with the flu.
  2. An adult gets a cold sore before an important job interview.
  3. Someone gets a cold sore from sharing a drink at a party.

Ask a question

See also

Discussion

Recent activity