A herpes sore may first appear as a small white blister. The fluid inside the blister is filled with the herpes virus. At this stage the virus sheds easily. This means it can be passed to other people.
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A soft wet ulcer may form in place of the blister. The herpes virus is in the fluid of the open sore. As a result, the virus can still be spread to others.
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A soft crust forms as a new layer of skin grows. Fewer copies of the virus are present in the sore.
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The skin surface is normal, but the virus remains in the body. Shedding is less likely, but it can still occur.
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