Cold sores

[ballerina99]

Hello. So both of my parents get cold sores every once in a while, and I am aware that that probably means they both have HSV-1. Does that mean that I probably also have HSV-1? I have never had a cold sore, but I do occasionally have a mildly unusual sensation around my upper lip. However, in my daily life I am quite scared of viruses and illnesses and so I wouldn’t be surprised if this sensation was just in my head. If I’ve never had a cold sore should I not be worried about the virus ? I know that it can be transmitted even if the sites aren’t present, and I don’t want to accidentally transmit something that I didn’t know I had. Thanks so much.

[Sam W]

Hi ballerina99,

While it's common to contact HSV-1 from family members in early life from things like sharing drinks, if you haven't had a cold sore and your parents can't recall you ever having one, it may be that you haven't contracted HSV-1 (it's tricky to say for certain because it can be asymptomatic). If you want to be cautious, you can simply avoid things like sharing drinks with people and, if you do notice symptoms arising, avoid things like kissing while the symptoms are present.

[Heather]

Also, you can get a blood test from your healthcare provider to find out if you have it. If you want to do that, be sure to tell them you live with family members with it, so they'll know that an antibody test won't work for you (since you're likely to have them no matter what).

[ballerina99]

Okay, thanks !! Should I be cautious about kissing and sharing drinks even if I have no symptoms at the time?

[Heather]

Well, we generally want to be cautious (or at least somewhat selective)about sharing drinks and open-mouthed kissing, because those are ways to potentially pass a whole bunch of stuff to someone, from HSV to a cold to the flu, etc.

It sounds to me like you'd honestly benefit from a conversation with a healthcare provider and a test so you know: is that something you have access to and know how to arrange, or can do with help from your parents?