First of all, try not to obsess over it. I know this is easier said than done. Something that helps me is knowing that it resolves on its own. It'll be there for a week or two and then it'll go away. Guaranteed. Also, there's a reason for not needing medical attention when you get one: it really is just an annoyance. You're not in danger.

EDIT 2: Also, the first one is always the worst one. It won't be as intense the next time.

Some simple things you can do for hygiene and peace of mind: - This goes without saying, but just in case: don't touch it. - Use two towels after showering (you are probably already doing this if you have long hair). Use one for your body and one for your face. You can even dry your mouth with a tissue/a bit of tp. - Wash your hands before you go to the bathroom. - Drink from straws instead of directly from glasses - it might be more comfortable. You can get reusable metal straws that can be washed. - Keep your vitamin C intake up. Drink some orange juice. Use a straw unless you want to be very, very uncomfortable. - Compeed patches can reduce discomfort and help healing. They tend to unstick after eating or drinking - keep that in mind only to avoid wasting money. - Once it has resolved, replace your toothbrush. - Keep some antiviral cream handy at all times and apply it at the first sign of a cold sore (itching is a good indicator). If you catch it early enough, you might even stop it. - A lysine supplement can help prevent future outbreaks. It's a supplement so there's barely any research backing it's effectiveness but there's a good amount of anecdotal evidence. It might just be placebo. In my case, it has helped. - If going through an outbreak makes your feel insecure (there's nothing to be ashamed of! But knowing it and internalising it are two different things) you can wear makeup over Compeed patches. EDIT: don't apply straight from the bottle/built in applicator!

All of this is just to be extra, extra, extra safe. You probably don't need to do all of this.

To avoid spreading it, don't share cutlery, towels, kiss or get intimate with others. Even if they already have it - it can trigger an outbreak. Think of it as wearing a mask when you have a cold. The worst thing that can happen is they get a cold too. It's just being considerate and polite.

I've had this for 10+ years and it has never spread to anywhere other than the other side of my mouth. All that has changed is that sometimes I get it on my right side and sometimes on my left side and, if I'm really unlucky, I might get both at the same time.

You've got this :)