Transmission without an active cold sore

[Marylandskateboarder]

I haven't had a cold sore in three years. My understanding is that it is highly unlikely that I would transmit the virus without direct contact (i.e. kissing) if I did not have an active cold sore. In other words, sharing a glass or a piece of cake with my girlfriend would not put her at risk. It just doesn't make sense that a piece of food could transmit this virus. Can you give me your expert opinion.

[mjane2]

A related discussion, Sharing food was started.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

No, transmission will not occur in that situation

Terri

[Marylandskateboarder]

I understand what you are saying re: intimate partners and always been careful about not transmitting the virus. She knows I have hsv1 and she has tested negative for it. I also have other concerns. The other day my daughter asked if she could finish my piece of cake (I had eaten about half). She did and used a separate fork. I did not have a cold sore at the time. There no way I could transmit in that case correct?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I agree with your understanding of the facts in terms of transmission of HSV by inanimate objects.  However, you can transmit via kissing even when you have no sores.  My question to you is this:  has your girlfriend actually had an antibody test to know if she has HSV 1 already and just doesn't know it?  If not, I would advise that she get tested so you know where things actually stand.  

Also, I certainly wouldn't advise not kissing your girlfriend because of subclinical HSV 1 infection.  If you've been kissing her for three years and she isn't infected already, I think the likelihood of her becoming infected is low.  I take it she knows you have HSV 1?  

Terri