Non Sex HSV-1 Transmission

I am a glassblower in a glass factory. Recently my teammate got a swollen lip and lesion. He went to the doctor and has confirmed he has HSV-1 through a swab test of his lesion. The day before his outbreak, he and I had to share blowing irons. These metal rods have brass tips and both of us put our mouths on them at separate times 40 or 50 times that day. Since he told me of his positive test, I have been scrambling to find out what kind of chance there is that I have been infected. If there is a good chance that I have, what are the best precautions to take so as not to infect my wife and children. Any help would be appreciated, worriedguy66.

[gracefromHHP]

statistically 1 out of every 2-3 people you know has hsv1 orally. have you  ever been tested for herpes to know your own status?

are you likely to contract hsv1 from this? no you are not. That said, considering the nature of your job, your coworker might want to consider daily suppressive therapy to help reduce the number of recurrences since any "trauma" to the lips can trigger recurrences.

grace

[Cinnamonspider]

You said the day before his breakout, Herpes are only contagious when they're in the process. (weeping/scabbing). so i wouldn't worry.

like Grace said above ^ 1 in 3 people have HSV 1. it's very common. most people contract it from being kissed as a child from their grand parents. it's not that much of a big deal, it just looks ugly from time to time. you might already have it even, because majority of the time the virus is dormant anyway.


Goodluck

[catinbarefeet]

The idea that herpes is only contagious when symptoms are present is a myth, Cinnamonspider. We can be contagious at any time. In fact, herpes is mostly spread when there are no symptoms present. The phenomenon is called "asymptomatic shedding."

[catinbarefeet]

Get your doctor to order an IgG type-specific blood test to test for HSV. You might ask your wife to go with you and get tested too. Being as aware as possible is a good idea. Knowledge is power.

Be aware that if you did get infected only very recently, the blood test might come back negative. You'll want to wait 3-4 months and get the test again.

Good luck to you.

[catinbarefeet]

By the way, the last NHANES study on the prevalence of HSV-1 in people 14-49 years old, officially reports that 53% of us have HSV-1. That's a lot of people.