What Is a Fever Blister?
2. Causes
Fever blisters are caused by a common virus known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Fever blisters in particular are typically caused by the HSV-1 virus specifically. HSV-1 will also sometimes be responsible for genital herpes, although genital herpes is usually caused by HSV-2. HSV-2 will also sometimes be responsible for fever blisters, but this is not common.
The blisters themselves are very contagious, especially when they are leaking pus. Another person coming into contact with them, such as through a kiss, will often be enough for the disease to be transmitted. It can also be contracted through sharing cutlery drinking vessels, as well as other items like towels.
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