Cold sores are created by the replication process of the herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. Current studies show that about 77% of cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 and about 23% by the type 2 version of this simplex virus. For the most part, cold sores caused by either type of the herpes virus are identical. They both look the same, hurt the same, are just as contagious, and last about the same amount of weeks.

Cold sores will occur and reoccur in about the same location as the initial infection. For example, if your cold sore appears on your upper left lip, then this is the site of the original infection.

Cold sores are one of our most contagious viruses - and one of our oldest. Even in ancient Rome, an epidemic of cold sores caused Emperor Tiberius to outlaw kissing in public ceremonies. As a global epidemic, or "pandemic", there is no better example than cold sores.

Cold sores, unlike bird flu, aren't life threatening. But, let's be frank, cold sores are hideous - and they're painful. On top of that, cold sores cause flu like symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph glands in a lot of people.

What causes cold sores for you:

1. YOUR HEALTH. Simply put, the stronger your health, the stronger your immune system. The stronger your body's defense system the less likely your herpes virus will wake up and produce another cold sore.

Vibrant health is a huge topic about which many books have been written. But you know the basics. Quality nutrient-dense foods such as fresh organic vegetables, low impact exercise, no smoking, limited alcohol consumption, and sleep. Also, today, it's very wise - no matter how good your diet - to take a GOOD vitamin supplement - one that contains a large quantity of B vitamins (considered the anti-stress vitamins) and anti-oxidants to supercharge your immune system.

2. YOUR STRESS. This includes both physical and mental stress. Keep in mind that mental stress always affects us physically too. Stress is blamed as the No. 1 cause of cold sore outbreaks. Because the herpes virus lives in the nervous system cells, it's very sensitive to stress changes. You can't avoid all stress in your life, but keeping a high level of health will help you cope with the physical aspects of stress.

Some of the main stress events that studies show wake up the cold sore virus are illnesses such as colds (thus the term "cold sores") and fevers (thus the term "fever blisters").

3. YOUR DIET. Besides a good diet to improve your general health, take a look at these two amino acids (protein fractions) - lysine and arginine.Studies have shown that lysine is very much anti-herpes. Lysine not only helps keep the virus latent, but also, if already active, will encourage the virus to go back into hibernation. Foods rich in lysine include eggs, most vegetables, legumes, avocado, chicken, fish, turkey, and ricotta cheese. Additionally, many folks take a lysine supplement.