A member asked:

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?

Q: 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?

: Any contact with a "cold sore" caused by herpes virus, which then contacts a mucosal surface (genital or oral) can spread the herpes virus. Not all "cold sores" are caused by herpes virus.

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Dr. John Berryman answered

Any contact with a "cold sore" caused by herpes virus, which then contacts a mucosal surface (genital or oral) can spread the herpes virus. Not all "cold sores" are caused by herpes virus.

Answered 12/14/2022

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A member asked:

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?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Dr. John Berryman answered

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