A cold sore is contagious even before the cold sore appears on your skin.
Cold Sores are caused by the Herpes Simplex virus and a person who has a cold sore will remain contagious to other people for up to two to Four weeks or until the cold sore is completely gone.
Cold sores can be spread by kissing so avoid kissing someone else if you have a cold sore or if the other person has the cold sore because kissing can spread the cold sore virus.
Most cold sores go away without treatment within 2 weeks but sometimes cold sores can last as long as 4 weeks.
You can apply some Abreva or salt to the cold sore to help get rid of the cold sore.
Apple Cider Vinegar is also a very effective and oldest home remedy for getting rid of cold sores.
You can use a cotton swab to apply some apple cider vinegar to the cold 2 to 3 times per day which will help to kill off the virus causing the cold sore.
Apple Cider Vinegar is antiseptic and antibacterial so that's what makes it a great remedy for getting rid of cold sores.
Toothpaste is another alternative home remedy for treating cold sores. The toothpaste will help to dry out and shrink the cold sore.