HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

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.

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Richard Zimon answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

ANSWER: Herpes viruses last for 4 hours on plastic 3 hours on cloth and two hours on the skin..I would use 4 hours as a "safe" time...BTW your ROOM MATE IS A SLOB! BUY some BLEACH or get a NEW ROOMATE! Hope the helps! Dr Z

Answered 2/25/2018

1.5k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Will dryer kill herpes virus? Example : i took clothes out the washing machine but touched cold sore before i did that & then put the clothes in dryer, would it kill the virus? Or should i wash them again i have hsv1 orally i dont want it genitally?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

How long does the herpes virus stay on your hand after touching a sore? Can u infect someone else by touching them with your hand before washing?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Can't touch anything without washing my hands. Scared I'm gonna get genital herpes because mother has cold sore and touches objects and clothes. Help?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Can you get herpes if someone touches there cold sore and then hands clean underwear and clothes to you? Is it safe to wear them?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

If you touch your cold sore and wash your hands, does it fully remove the virus?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

How long does herpes virus live on finger if you touch a cold sore and dont wash your hands? Is it a few seconds? Or longer?
If someone touches a cold sore then touches a surface (without washing their hands) can the herpes virus be spread that way? Or only if its skin-to-skin contact?
Lets say you touch somebodys herpes sore with just your hand and then you wash it off, does that remove the herpes virus from your hands?
If you touch somebody elses herpes sore with just your hand and then you wash your hands with soap and water, does it kill the herpes virus?
Does washing your hands with soap and water kill the herpes virus if you were to touch a herpes sore?

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
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

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.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.