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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Nina Lloyd

Spread of cold sores traced back to Bronze Age and advent of kissing – study

Cambridge University/PA

The spread of the modern-day cold sore has been traced back to the Bronze Age and linked the rise of kissing, according to a new study.

Analysis of ancient DNA suggests the HSV-1 strain of the herpes virus, which causes cold sores, emerged during periods of mass movement of people from Eurasia to Europe around 5,000 years ago.

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