Do cold sores mean you have an STD?

Having cold sores does not necessarily mean you have an STD. Most of the cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), which is generally transmitted through direct and physical contact, less so but could still potentially be transmitted through sexual contact. Though less commonly, cold sores may be caused by another type of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), a strain of herpes simplex virus that is most commonly associated with genital herpes and is almost exclusively transmitted through sex or other direct genital contacts.

What can trigger a cold sore?

Factors that can trigger an outbreak of cold sores include having another infection such as a common cold or chest infection, emotional or physical stress, exposure to strong sunlight, hormonal changes such as menstruation period and injury to the affected area.

How many days does a cold sore last?

The exact time it takes for a cold sore to heal varies between individuals. Most cold sores will get better within 7 - 10 days without any treatment.

Cold Sore: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes and More