The short answer is that its not. In general, its best to wait until after the scabs and sores completely disappear before you kiss someone or engage in oral sex. This is because the herpes virus can continue shedding in the late stages of a cold sore healing, even if theres no viral fluid present.

Will I get a cold sore if I kiss someone with it?

Yes, you can contract oral herpes, aka cold sores, from kissing, but developing genital herpes this way is less likely. Oral herpes (HSV-1) is usually transmitted by kissing, and genital herpes (HSV-2) is most often spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Can you be immune to cold sores?

No. Having cold sores now or as a child does not make you immune to genital herpes. Usually, cold sores on the mouth are caused by the HSV-1 virus and genital sores are caused by the HSV-2 virus.

Can a cold sore go away in 4 days?

It takes 1–2 weeks for cold sores to heal completely. However, according to Harvard Health Publishing, the virus that causes cold sores remains in the persons body throughout their life. HSV may lie dormant for years and cause no symptoms.

How easy is it to catch a cold sore?

Cold sores spread from person to person by close contact, such as kissing. Theyre usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and less commonly herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both of these viruses can affect your mouth or genitals and can be spread by oral sex.