Could I have Herpes???!


Question: Could I have Herpes???
Today while at school, I noticed that one of my friends had a cold sore on his bottom lip. I'm not sure if he had herpes or if it was just a cold sore, but he decided it would be funny to lick his finger then touch the side of my face with it. I didn't think too much of it until I got home today, and now I'm worried that I might be infected with Type 1 Herpes from this. Is transmission even possible this way? Should I continue to worry, or forget about it? Any help is appreciated!

Regards,
Sam.

Answers:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Cold sores are caused by oral herpes but you're not likely to get herpes that way unless he touched the sore then with in seconds touched your mouth. The herpes virus dies with in seconds of leaving the body. You would be more likely to get it if he kissed you on your mouth while he had a cold sore. Oral herpes is nothing serious to worry about, all it does is cause a sore or blister on the mouth once in a while but you will have it for life once you contract it.
You should know, you could have it all ready too. Oral herpes is usually passed on when you're a child by being innocently kissed by some one that has cold sores. If you really need to know you can always get tested by a doctor to find out if you have it or not.



It might be okay if you don't normally get herpes simplex 1 Virus (HSV) (cold sore). Some people have the virus in their system and when they stress out or their immune system is weak the cold sore will develop. What your friend did was not funny and it is a possibility that he could have infected you. Most people once they get the virus it will stay in their system for life. Also some people have seasonal breakouts and others it may be years before another breakout. Wash your face, keep your hands away from your face at all times and always wash your hands when leaving the restroom, after playing with your pet, touching door knobs and railings in public places or in your home when a family member is sick. One more thing, keep your cell phone and keyboards, telephones and computer keyboards clean. Keep alcohol wipes handy and give these things a swiping at least once every week, more is better. Watch for signs such as a fever, feeling slow or tired. Don't worry I think you will be okay.



No. Contact must be made between mucus membranes. The side of your face is not a mucus membrane, therefore you could not have contracted it. BUT from the sounds of it you are in high school? You have most likely already been exposed to it, only a small amount of people exposed to the virus experience cold sores. By the time people reach adulthood it is estimated that approx. 80% of the population has or has been exposed to herpes simplex 1. It really is not that serious and should not have the same stigma as genital herpes, which is typically herpes simplex type 2, a different strain.

CHILL.

I know my ****.



Herpes - Sort the Facts from the Fiction
Find information about herpes and cold sores including signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and how it is spread and prevention. Includes further resources and a ...
herpes-coldsores.com



No, you dont have herpes.



Hi Sam,

Cold Sores are Herpes (HSV-1). Since it was the side of your face (and not your lips), I think you should be okay.This is the Herpes virus and that action really could have put you at risk. It is totally unacceptable. If I was your mom I would have gone crazy. If he's your "friend" (something to question) then I would have your mom call his. Herpes is forever. Right now I'm deciding whether to continue dating someone who gets Cold Sores (and didn't tell me for 6 months) because I'm HSV-1 negative and have a bad immune system. You don't want this to be something you have to deal with. This is not something you need in your life. Tell your parents. Tell him this is SERIOUS and if he does it again you will contact the school. He is an idiot to even touch it himself because it could spread to his nose or eyes and become even more serious. I would consider this an assault You may have been exposed to the virus already - as many small kids are. Have you had a cold sore? To ease your mind get tested the next time you go to your doctor. I wish I had antibodies to it, but I don't. :(

Teacher who has taught health classes and has done A LOT of research on HSV-1




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