Resolved question:
I shared a alcoholic beverage with someone, and later realize that they had a cold sore on their lip. It looks like it was in the healing stage, but I cannot stop thinking about it now. How worried should I be? I have never had a cold sore, and do not want to start now. Given my exposure, is there anything I can do to limit my chances of contracting it? Again, what are the odds I will be ok?
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Internal Medicine Specialist
Hello,
Thank You for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
HSV-1 or oral herpes which causes cold sores can be transmitted by sharing food items or sharing the same glass e.t.c
However the good thing is though it's possible, it needs multiple such exposures and one such exposure is not risky. So i would say, given your exposure it is highly unlikely you will be developing a cold sore yourself.
The chances get higher through exposure such as kissing, when the affected partner has an open lesion. Apart from that the other modes have very less chances of passing on the infection.
Moreover as you said it was in the healing stage, you should not worry.
Unfortunately there is no way you can stop a viral infection from developing, however the outbreak and the number of sores can be limited by starting Acyclovir the moment a cold sore appears.
But in your case, it won't be required.
Feel free to discuss further,
Regards.
So you really think it will be ok? My lips were chapped at the time, which further heightened my concern. Ugh I never share drinks what a stupid mistake to make at this point in my life! I'm so mad at myself and nervous. I keep thinking my lips feel weird now. So, you really do not think I should be worried? Honestly?
Hello,
Please do not blame yourself.
How could you have possibly known?
No from one such exposure it is extremely extremely unlikely to contract herpes. It needs multiple prolonged exposure.
The feeling you're having is definitely due to anxiety.
So please do not worry.
Regards.
And u don't think my chapped lips and cut in mouth would make me more susceptible?
Hello,
Even with chapped lips or minor cuts, one such exposure is not likely to cause the disease.
I totally get your anxiety but according to what we know theoretically and even the cases i have come across, only multiple such exposures are required to get oral herpes.
So in my opinion, you should not worry anymore.
Regards.