HSV 1 inside nose

2 years ago I came down with Bell's palsy and was treated with Valtrex b/c the Dr. suspected HSV as a cause. I recovered and just 3 months ago developed nervy, painful fluid filled blisters inside my nostril.  I dismissed it as a one time event.  However, it happened again complete with fatigue and a swollen lymph gland on the same side.  My Dr. suspected impetigo or HSV 1, although, he's never seen it in that area. (My mom also has "fever blisters" in the same spot).  I am almost positive it isn't impetigo.

1)  How do I keep this virus to myself?  I do not want to pass to my husband or children.  I seem to be finding conflicting information.  Is it spread through saliva at any time (ie sharing drinks, casual kisses, sharing towels)?  Can it be spread to my husband during sex somehow?

[gracefromHHP]

this is a typical area for oral herpes to show up.  I see no reason not to suspect it's herpes from what you've posted.  

Did they give you any herpes antivirals to keep on hand to use at the first sign of this reoccuring? If not give them a call and ask for some. The 1 day cold sore doses are very convenient and help to speed healing.

Just whenever you have active herpes lesions, avoid kissing anyone you don't know if they have hsv1 already or not.  Same as when you are otherwise sick the virus might be actively shedding too.  Unless your children are young infants - sharing drinks and food when you don't have symptoms shouldn't be high risk.  

You can transmit hsv1 to the genital area thru oral sex.  Chances are good that your hubby also has hsv1 but if you really want to know - get him tested. If he has hsv1 already, whether he gets active cold sores or not, he's not likely to get it on another body part but just err on the side of caution and when you have active oral symptoms, don't perform oral sex on him.

grace

[bcrash]

Yes, I got a prescrip filled for Valtrex 1g/2x day for the first day.  Thanks so much for the response.  You've calmed some of my fears.  So, do I understand correctly- the virus is present in the saliva when  I have symptoms?

[gracefromHHP]

It's usually there because of the virus being active in the mucous membranes.

grace

[bcrash]

Can this be spread to the genital area through traditional sex? If so, should we be using condoms to help prevent this?

[gracefromHHP]

Not an issue since you only have hsv1 orally.

grace