A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition. It is possible to develop cold sores with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing cold sores. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
The viruses that cause cold sores are easily spread. They come out of the skin and are “shed” from the site of the cold sore for 1-2 days before the sore appears. Then they are in the fluid of the cold sore blisters. Although cold sores typically form in response to stress or illness, they can sometimes form without an identifiable trigger.