Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Are Cold Sores Contagious In Nature?
I smoked pot with an old friend of mine(known for over 30 years)and he has a minor cold sore on his bottom lip. I didn t really think anything of it because I ve smoked plenty of times with him in the last 30 years, and I understand how common cold sores are just from statistics and from growing up in the 70 s and 80 s with kids at school always talking about having a cold sore. Anyway, we shared a glass pipe and I was wondering if he could have infected me. I ve smoked a thousand times with him in the last 30 years and have never noticed anything out of the ordinary- could this time be different?
Thu, 21 Jul 2016
Hello,
I can understand your concern. Herpes virus can be transmitted through saliva or through vaginal/penile fluids. Cold sores also contain virus of herpes simplex.
As you shared a glass pipe with someone who is infected with herpes virus, there is a possibility that you might have acquired the infection.
Herpes virus can stay latent in the body without causing any symptom and as soon as body's immunity compromises a bit, they present with ulcer. Thus, even if you do not have any ulcers present in your mouth or otherwise, you might still be infected with the virus.
Thus, I would advise you to go for a blood test that detects HSV titer in the body and you can know if you are infected with the virus or not. If you are, then you should visit a physician for further treatment.
I hope this answer helps you well. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Take care.
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
I can understand your concern. Herpes virus can be transmitted through saliva or through vaginal/penile fluids. Cold sores also contain virus of herpes simplex.
As you shared a glass pipe with someone who is infected with herpes virus, there is a possibility that you might have acquired the infection.
Herpes virus can stay latent in the body without causing any symptom and as soon as body's immunity compromises a bit, they present with ulcer. Thus, even if you do not have any ulcers present in your mouth or otherwise, you might still be infected with the virus.
Thus, I would advise you to go for a blood test that detects HSV titer in the body and you can know if you are infected with the virus or not. If you are, then you should visit a physician for further treatment.
I hope this answer helps you well. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. Take care.
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....