How to Avoid Getting Cold Sores

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type I virus, and once you are infected with it, the virus stays with you forever. Though the virus stays dormant most of the time, certain things can cause an outbreak.

Things You'll Need

• Multivitamins
• Sunscreen
• Vitamin C

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Instructions

• 1

  Stay out of the sun, or at least limit exposure. Overexposure to the sun can trigger outbreaks.

• 2

  Wear sunscreen if you are out in the sun.

• 3

  Drink alcohol in moderation.

• 4

  Stay out of the wind as much as possible.

• 5

  Protect your immune system. Other viruses, such as the flu, can trigger outbreaks.

• 6

  Make sure to have a healthy diet with plenty of fresh, unprocessed foods.

• 7

  Take a good, high-potency multivitamin.

• 8

  Eat foods high in vitamin C or take a supplement of at least 1,000mg daily.

• 9

  Keep in shape, get enough sleep, do things you enjoy and drink lots of fluids.

• 10

  Reduce consumption of processed foods, cola drinks, sugar and caffeine, which may increase the chance of an outbreak.

• 11

  Don't share a drinking glass, food utensils or a toothbrush with someone who has a cold sore.

• 12

  Avoid intimate contact such as kissing someone on the lips when that person has a cold sore.