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Parent Resources > School Nurse > Cold Sores
Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex)
 
Symptoms
  • Watery blisters usually on lips, but may occur anywhere on skin or mouth

Characteristics
  • Time from exposure to illness is two to 12 days 
  • Virus spreads by direct contact with infected persons 
  • May be confused with impetigo

School Action and Communicability Comments

  • Children with cold sores may attend school.
  • Cold sores generally heal within two weeks.