Currently, there are no vaccines (nor cures) for the herpes simplex virus. For infected individuals, avoiding the factors (listed in Causes) that may trigger an outbreak can help prevent additional outbreaks.
To reduce the chances of coming into contact with the virus, you can:
- Limit contact with infected body fluids of an infected person, such as kissing
- Limit sharing utensils, drinking cups and other items that the person with a cold sore may have used.
- Practice frequent hand washing.
References:
1. Marciniak, Macary Weck. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 32 Oral Pain and Discomfort. 16th Edition, Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009.
2. Terrie, Yvette. What You Need to Know About Cold Sores. December 1, 2006. Available at: http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2006/2006-12/2006-12-6161/. October 14, 2011.
3. WebMD. Cold Sores. May 20, 2010. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/cold-sores-topic-overview. October 14, 2011.
4. Mortada, Tran, et. al. Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex Infections, Non-Genital). 2004. Available at: http://www.medicinenet.com/herpes_simplex_infections_non-genital/article.htm. October 14, 2011.
5. Berman, Kevin and David Zieve. Viral Lesion Culture. May 13, 2011. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/10027.htm. October 14, 2011.
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