Ocular Herpes Simplex

I have a friend that mentioned he was experiencing a cold sore breakout. When I saw him a few days later there did appear to be some signs of the cold sore near the right side of his mouth. A few days later we got together at a noisy party and while he was talking to me he ended breathing on my eyes to the point where I had to close them. My question is can he transmit the virus through his breath to my eyes in which some small amounts of saliva is possibly transported? Or can the virus also be transmitted to me if i end up inadvertently breathing in through my nose while he talks to me. Thank you for your expert advise and your time.  

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear calistudent,

The cause of cold sores is usually a herpes type virus.  These can be transmitted if the sore if open.  I would recommend that you seek an eyeMD to discuss your fears.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California