Phil Kieran: How can my teen stop her cold sores from coming back?

"It’s possible to spread it even without getting cold sores yourself. A significant portion of people who have ‘never had a cold sore’ will shed the virus occasionally without knowing it."

"We sometimes start suppressive treatment for people with very frequent cold sores. This involves taking antiviral medication regularly for about six months"

My 14-year-old daughter gets frequent cold sores on her lips, usually when stressed. She uses an over-the-counter cream to treat them but is understandably self-conscious. What can she do to prevent cold sores?

Cold sores can be painful and frequently cause anxiety and social discomfort. These familiar lesions are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Roughly 70%-80% of adults have had the virus.