In general, its best to wait for three to four days after the cold sore scab disappears 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.

At what point is a cold sore no longer contagious?

When Is a Cold Sore No Longer Contagious? Cold sores are typically contagious for up to 15 days. You need to wait until all your cold sore symptoms have cleared – including the blister and any scabbing – to reach the point when cold sores are not contagious anymore.

Can you kiss someone with a healing cold sore?

Cold sores are contagious during all stages of the development and healing process, meaning you shouldnt kiss anyone, share eating utensils, have oral sex or engage in any other oral contact throughout the entire process of a cold sore developing and healing.

Are cold sores contagious after they heal?

Cold sores are highly contagious from the time the first symptom appears. This is usually 1–2 days before the sore becomes visible. Sores remain highly contagious until the skin completely heals. This can take up to 15 days.

Should I throw away Chapstick after a cold sore?

But if you use lip balm on an active sore, consider it contaminated. “Once youve used it on a cold sore, you should throw it away after the sore is better,” Dr. Beers says.