Cold Sores

Cold Sores

Popular name for mouth sores caused by a type of herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Cold sores, also sometimes referred to as fever blisters or oral herpes, form around the mouth. Caused by a virus known as herpes simplex type 1, cold sores are contagious; direct contact with an infected person may result in contracting the virus.

See also Herpes Simplex.