Cold Sore Tingling: Do Not Wait for a Blister Before Taking Precautions

If a familiar tingle changes your plans for the evening, you can explain why.

Myth: precautions begin when the blister appears

NHS¹ guidance says cold sores are contagious from the first tingling or other signs of one coming on until the sore has completely healed. Waiting for a visible blister misses part of that period.¹

Act on the precautions

Wash your hands with soap and water whenever you touch a cold sore. Do not kiss anyone while you have one, or have oral sex until it completely heals; the infection could cause genital herpes in a partner.¹

Do not kiss a baby if you have a cold sore. This can cause neonatal herpes, which is very dangerous to newborn babies.¹

Get advice when unsure

See a GP if you are unsure it is a cold sore, it is very large or painful, it has not started healing within ten days, or you have a weakened immune system.¹

You can keep a simple note of when you first noticed the problem and the question you want answered. Write the answer underneath rather than trying to recall it later.

Is It My Breath? includes an appointment script. Use it to organize questions for a healthcare conversation. Explore the book.