Fact or Fiction: Cold Sores

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About This Quiz

Cold sores -- or fever blisters -- are an embarrassing part of life for many of us. Misconceptions abound about them, though. Can you separate the facts and fictions?

Most cold sores clear up in about two days.

fact

fiction

almost fact: The range is several days to two weeks.

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

If you have a cold sore, it'll probably heal itself within two weeks.

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The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes cold sores.

fact

fiction

almost fact: The herpes duplex virus causes cold sores.

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Cold sores come from the herpes simplex virus, which usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth.

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There are three types of herpes simplex virus.

fact

fiction

almost fact: There are four types.

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Herpes simplex comes in two versions: HSV-1 (which generally infects the mouth) and HSV-2 (which targets the genitals).

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You can get herpes through touching an infected person's mouth or sharing eating utensils with them.

fact

fiction

almost fact: You can get it only through kissing or touching someone, not sharing utensils.

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

You can get herpes by physically touching an infected person's sores or through saliva -- so don't share utensils with someone who has herpes.

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Once you get herpes, you have it forever -- there is no cure.

fact

fiction

almost fact: HSV-1 can't be cured, but you can rid your body of HSV-2.

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the herpes simplex virus. You might never have any symptoms, but the virus will always be in your body.

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If a cold sore blisters and breaks open, it will infect other areas of your face.

fact

fiction

almost fact: If a cold sore blisters and breaks open, it will crust over.

Correct Answer

Wrong Answer

It's actually a sign of healing when a cold sore blister breaks. A clear liquid will leak out, and the blister will crust over and should heal itself within a couple of weeks.

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