No one likes getting colds sores. If you have had cold sores before, you will know how painful and uncomfortable they can be.
Some people are more prone than others to getting cold sores.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus. You will usually have your first exposure to the virus during childhood. After your first infection, the virus stays in your body until something triggers it. Stress is one of the major triggers of cold sores. When your body's defences are down during times of stress, the virus takes this opportunity to cause an infection.