They can be triggered by stress or illness, which may be why they got the name cold sores and fever blisters. Although they can develop during an illness such as a cold or the flu, cold sores are not actually caused by the cold or flu viruses.

Can you get a cold sore from a cold?

Also called fever blisters, you dont get cold sores from fevers or colds but they can be triggered by them. The virus that causes cold sores is usually passed via a kiss, shared utensils, or other close contact.

Why do I get cold sores when Im sick?

Weakened immune system The cold sore virus lives inactive in your mouth area in nerve cells. But while your immune system usually ensures that the virus doesnt replicate and cause blisters, if its busy fighting off another virus or infection, such as a cold or the flu, you may experience a cold sore outbreak.

How do you prevent cold sores from a cold?

How can you prevent cold sores?Avoid the things that trigger your cold sores, such as stress and colds or the flu.Always use lip balm and sunscreen on your face. Avoid sharing towels, razors, silverware, toothbrushes, or other objects that a person with a cold sore may have used.More items

Can a cold cause mouth sores?

Viral infections Cold sores of the lip and, less commonly, ulcers on the palate caused by the herpes simplex virus are perhaps the most well known. However, many other viruses can cause mouth sores.