Article: The liquid that oozes from cold sores contains the virus and can infect others. Limiting or avoiding skin-to-skin contact can prevent cold sores from transmitting or making yours worse. Abstain from oral sex and kissing, even if the blisters are only in your nose. Keep your fingers and hands away from your eyes. Any time you have a cold sore, even if it is in your nose, wash your hands before touching yourself or someone else. This can keep the virus from spreading on your skin or to anyone else. Wash with any type of soap, which can kill bacteria. Lather the soap on your hands for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands completely with a clean or disposable towel. Whenever you have blisters present, avoid sharing items with other people. This can minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others and to other areas of your skin. Keep a separate set of utensils, towels, and other linens when you have an outbreak. Avoid using lip balms and personal items from other people. Stress, illness, fatigue may make you more prone to having an outbreak of cold sores. Manage stressful situations as much as you are able and make sure you are getting enough rest, especially when you are sick. Organizing your day with a flexible schedule that incorporates time to relax can reduce your stress. Avoid stressful situations if possible. Take deep breaths or try breathing exercises to help you relax. Get regular exercise, which can also help reduce stress. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Don't push yourself if you feel like you're getting sick. Make sure you get adequate rest and take time off work or school if you need to. If you begin seeing the symptoms of an outbreak, treat them promptly. This can reduce the amount of time your outbreak lasts and reduce its severity. If you begin to experience the telltale tingling or itching sensation that is often present before an outbreak, you may wish to begin treatment immediately. Call your doctor and ask for prescription to minimize and treat your outbreak.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Limit or avoid skin-to-skin contact. Clean your hands often. Use your own items. Manage stress, illness, and fatigue. Watch for outbreak symptoms.