Cold sores can easily be transmitted between people through saliva or some other direct contact. Blisters often form on the lips and or inside the mouth. These can frequently turn into painful ulcers that make gums turn red and swell. Some people can suffer from fever, muscle aches, swollen neck glands and irritability when they get a cold sore. They can last anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks depending on treatment. Herpes simplex type 2 or genital herpes is transmitted sexually. The genital area becomes sore, itchy, tender and just plain painful.

Cold sores can often appear if one is under stress, is getting a cold or other virus, is exposed to long periods of sunlight, is pregnant or after a tooth has been pulled. If you find you are prone to getting a cold sore, the best prevention is to keep your stress level down as much as possible, get lots of rest if you start feeling under the weather and make sure to use a strong SPF sunscreen lip balm when outdoors. Also, avoid kissing anyone who has one! The best prevention for herpes simplex type 2 is for you to wear a latex condom if you are the male or insist your partner wears one if you are the female.
About the Author

Amy-Jo Strutt is a successful health and beauty writer and regular contributor to anti-aging-skin-carecentral.com an online resource to help you find the very best treatment for cold sores and herpes simplex. http://www.anti-aging-skin-carecentral.com