Children and cold sores

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by a virus called herpes, one of the most common viral infections in the world. The medical name for the specific virus that causes cold sores is “herpes simplex.” Herpes simplex is so common that most Americans get infected with it, although many never have any symptoms. People can get cold sores by kissing a person with one or sharing a drinking glass or utensils. Kids who get infected with HSV-1 may get cold sores occasionally for the rest of their lives, because even after the sores are gone the virus stays in the body, waiting for a trigger to cause more sores.

Recommended reading on coldsores: