Eight out of 10 Americans have the virus that causes cold sores, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While there is no cure for the virus, there are certain ways to lessen the severity of an outbreak and possibly expedite recovery. | Eight out of 10 Americans have the virus that causes cold sores, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While there is no cure for the virus, there are certain ways to lessen the severity of an outbreak and possibly expedite recovery. |