A member asked:

Can you transmit cold sores via inanimate objects (toys, shirt collars)? if you don't wash hands, touch something and a toddler then touches it?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Dr. Susanne Gee answered

Specializes in Dermatology

No: Scientific studies confirm that a person can only receive this virus via skin to skin contact with someone who has this virus (herpes).

Answered 9/29/2016

4.7k views

Thank

Yes: Cold sores can be spread by touching cold sores (for instance if person with cold sore touches it with their hand - the herpes simplex virus can be spread further from there), kissing, sharing glasses, silverwear, toothbrushes or other personal items.

Dr Rhoads agreed

Answered 10/23/2018

259 views

Thank

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

A member asked:

Can you transmit cold sores via inanimate objects (toys, shirt collars)? if you don't wash hands, touch something and a toddler then touches it?

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Dr. Susanne Gee answered

Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Dr Rhoads agreed

Related Questions

A member asked:

My GF Touches my precum, then she rubs that to her shirt, later after a minute she washes her hands with Bathing Soap and Water(Cold Tap Water). then she touches her vulva after 5 mins, is there any risk of pregnancy? she is Virgin? No Penetration?

A member asked:

29 month old toddler has been complaining of arm, wrist &leg pain for the last 2 months.she's still active but doesn't like to be touched what's wrong?

A member asked:

My dogs collar was laying in the dirt. I picked it up and put it on her but then forgot to wash my hands and ate. Will I get worms from raccoons?

A member asked:

Im having an ocd episode. My 22mold constantly has his thumb in mouth. he just got back from tumble where they had a used bloody paper towel on floor. Could be from a toddler, parent, coach, or older kid. He definitely touched it. Is he ok?

A member asked:

Not sure if 1m old was exposed to honey. Toddler was eating a honey sandwich, didn't wash hands then gave him a pacifier. Should I take baby to dr?

Sponsored Content

People also searched for:

Mom has cold sores and touches everything without washing her hands after, like clean clothes, objects etc, can I get herpes from this? Sorry

How long does the herpes virus live on objects? If my roommate touches cold sore, doesn't wash hands, puts away "clean" forks, and I eat 20 min later.

Can you get hsv1 on your hand if you touch a pillow with fresh drool on it?(i didnt immediately wash my hands) it was somewhat of a large amount and I have know idea if my friend gets cold sores or not?

Scared of getting genital herp because mom has cold sore and doesn't wash her hands often she's touched my clean underwear and objects in my room help?

Can sperm from the hands transmit to other objects and then cause pregnancy when someone touches the object or surfaces that contain the sperm? Also, does very hot tap water not kill sperm because I read that only cold water kills sperm?

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?