What is the medical term for a cold or fever sore that is caused by a virus?

The medical term for a cold sore or fever blister that is caused by a virus is known as Herpes Simplex. This condition is primarily linked to the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which has two main types: HSV-1, often responsible for oral lesions, and HSV-2, typically associated with genital infections. Cold sores are usually small blisters that appear on or around the lips and are contagious, often triggered by factors such as stress or illness.

The other options refer to different viral infections. Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, characterized by an itchy rash and flu-like symptoms. Shingles, also caused by the varicella-zoster virus, occurs in individuals who have had chickenpox, resulting in a painful rash and typically affecting a specific area of the body. Coxsackievirus, on the other hand, refers to a group of viruses responsible for various illnesses, including hand, foot, and mouth disease, which does not include cold sores. Therefore, Herpes Simplex is the precise term that accurately describes the viral cause of cold or fever blisters.