Question 1

my husband and kids have been possibly in contact with cold sore virus. i kissed them plenty of times over the years and recently just before a cold sore appeared. how accurate is herpes simplex virus antibody test two days after exposure?

Accepted Answer

: At least half of all people acquire HSV1, so such exposures are nothing special or worrisome. The HSV blood test takes up to 12 weeks to become positive, and is never a way to diagnose newly acquired herpes. In a family situation like this, blood tests should not be necessary. If there are typical cold sore outbreaks, that's enough to be sure of the diagnosis. Or see a doctor for confirmation.

Question 2

how long does it take to develop lesions after exposure to cold sores? my boyfriend has developed cold sore blisters and i think i have been exposed. how long before i can expect to see blisters forming if i do have the virus?

Accepted Answer

Cold : Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (hsv-1) and are extremely common. Most people become infected as an infant or small child when kissed or by sharing eating utensils with an adult who has the virus. The virus is most contagious when someone has a cold sore, but can still be passed along by someone who does not. Many people do not even know that they are infected because the virus can "hide out" in the nerve cells for very long periods of time - for some people it hides out forever and they never get a cold sore. For others, the virus can "wake up" at any time and that's when a cold sore happens. No one knows exactly what causes a cold sore to appear - sometimes stress, illness, fevers, colds, sunlight, cold weather, menstruation, certain foods, allergies, you name it! they usually last 7-10 days and are more of an annoyance than a danger unless you have a weakened immune system or contract a bacterial infection on top of the cold sore.

Legal disclaimer: I am providing this general and basic information as a public service and my response to this question does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.  For any additional information, advice, or specific concerns, please speak with your own physician.  The information provided is current as of the date of the answer entry.

Question 3

my husband cheated for 4 months and now i have a cold sore for the first time ever and i'm 39. he does not have a cold sore. could he give me the virus without him ever getting a cold sore.

Accepted Answer

Cold : Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (hsv-1) and are extremely common. Most people become infected as an infant or small child when kissed or by sharing eating utensils with an adult who has the virus. The virus is most contagious when someone has a cold sore, but can still be passed along by someone who does not. Many people do not even know that they are infected because the virus can "hide out" in the nerve cells for very long periods of time - for some people it hides out forever and they never get a cold sore. For others, the virus can "wake up" and that's when a cold sore happens. No one knows exactly what causes a cold sore to appear - sometimes stress, illness, fevers, colds, sunlight, cold weather, menstruation, certain foods, allergies, you name it! they usually last 7-10 days and are more of an annoyance than a danger unless you have a weakened immune system or contract a bacterial infection on top of the cold sore.

So yes, your husband could have given you hsv-1 without ever having a cold sore himself.  However, it is also possible that you could have caught hsv-1 years ago from someone else by kissing or sharing eating utensils and are just now having symptoms. (possibly brought out by recent stress?)  since the virus is so common and lies dormant in so many people, it can be difficult to pinpoint the source of infection.

Question 4

have a 1st time cold sore. being careful about spreading the virus. a subtle rash started on my hands as well. are my hands contagious now too?

Accepted Answer

No but: Cold sore is caused by herpes simplex i virus which has infected most people but only a small number breaks out in cold sores.  Thus you will not be infecting anyone who has a good immune system.   However it is not usually associated with rash far away from the junction where the skin joins the mucous membrane. Thus either you have something else or the rash and sores are unrelated.

Question 5

i have herpes simplex virus (cold sores) since i was very little. every time i give my kids a kiss on the cheek (i never kiss on the month) i usually get a cold sore half the time. no warning. how likely is it to get a cold sore on your cheek?

Accepted Answer

: Unlikely, but nobody knows exactly. There is always a risk of catching or giving germs, viral or otherwise, when touching or being very near another person. However, we humans much touch other humans. That's the way life is. That said, cold sores are usually oral Herpes type 1, which is a virus that most people catch at some time. Many people catch it from their parents or siblings in childhood.

Question 6

if i have herpes simplex virus-1 cold sore)can i pass genital herpes to my partner through oral sex even if i dont have a cold sore at the time?

Accepted Answer

Yes: yes it is possible. You can potentially shed the Herpes virus even when you do not have a visible sore and this shedding can transmit the infection.

Question 7

how can i get ride of the cold sore virus?

Accepted Answer

You can't get rid of: it but your  physician can prescribe oral Valtrex (valacyclovir) or another antiviral medication.

Question 8

i contracted the cold sore virus 2 years ago, and only got them every once in a while, but now i'm getting them every month. is this normal?

Accepted Answer

This is common: The virus is constantly being fought by your immune systems. Ultraviolet light exposure (i.e. sun), stress, and periods can all cause the virus to flair without warning and without following any previous pattern.  There are medications for patients with frequent flairs.  See your dermatologist and ask about options that are right for you!

Question 9

i sprayed lysol on my cold sore. will that kill the virus?

Accepted Answer

No: I wouldn't recommend doing that. The virus continues to live in your body and Lysol will not work. You can try Abreva over the counter. If the outbreak has been occurring for over 72 hours, you will need to wait things out until your body fights the virus off.

Question 10

can a child with a cold sore be spreading the virus if playing in a community pool?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Although community pools are chlorinated to help kill germs and prevent the spread of germs, the virus that causes cold sores is contagious. I suspect the risk is low. Nonetheless, i would suggest that kids with open, active cold sores stay out of community pools to help reduce the risk of transmission.

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Doctor answers about:

Incubation time for cold sore virus exposure

A member asked:

My husband and kids have been possibly in contact with cold sore virus. i kissed them plenty of times over the years and recently just before a cold sore appeared. how accurate is herpes simplex virus antibody test two days after exposure?

A member asked:

How long does it take to develop lesions after exposure to cold sores? my boyfriend has developed cold sore blisters and i think i have been exposed. how long before i can expect to see blisters forming if i do have the virus?

A member asked:

My husband cheated for 4 months and now i have a cold sore for the first time ever and i'm 39. he does not have a cold sore. could he give me the virus without him ever getting a cold sore.

A member asked:

Have a 1st time cold sore. being careful about spreading the virus. a subtle rash started on my hands as well. are my hands contagious now too?

A member asked:

I have herpes simplex virus (cold sores) since i was very little. every time i give my kids a kiss on the cheek (i never kiss on the month) i usually get a cold sore half the time. no warning. how likely is it to get a cold sore on your cheek?

A member asked:

If i have herpes simplex virus-1 cold sore)can i pass genital herpes to my partner through oral sex even if i dont have a cold sore at the time?

A member asked:

How can i get ride of the cold sore virus?

A member asked:

I contracted the cold sore virus 2 years ago, and only got them every once in a while, but now i'm getting them every month. is this normal?

A member asked:

I sprayed lysol on my cold sore. will that kill the virus?

A member asked:

Can a child with a cold sore be spreading the virus if playing in a community pool?

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