Originally Posted by
enterprise 
Then i have two questions:
1) how long does it take to go away?
2) how does one contract one? (you mentioned kissing, but i havnt ever kissed a girl)
1) It doesn't. Only way to truly get rid of it is to stump several lit fags into it whilst praying to Buddha.
2) Normally, it is contracted by the kissing of dee bom. LOL
Seriously, google is your friend.
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/coldsores.htm
P.S: You're a member of the studentroom aren't you?