Genital herpes from own cold sore?

[Amygrace1345]

Hi, I had a coldsore that popped up nearly 2 weeks ago, I believe it’s fully heeled now. Yesterday I shaved my vagina and was obviously touching it. It occurred to me after imagine I have some of the Herpes coldsore virus on my hands (might’ve touched my lip without realising) is it possible to get genital herpes this way?

I’ve read online that you can’t get the same herpes virus in 2 different body parts as I’ve been getting cold sores all my life but other sites say you can? Please confirm as I am 23 weeks pregnant  

[auntiejessi]

I wouldn't worry about this at all. As you've read, after you have antibodies, it is very hard to spread it to other parts of your body. Also, your sore is healed now.

I know it's hard not to worry when you're pregnant, but really, you're okay. :)

[Amygrace1345]

I know! I couldn’t sleep last night - I kept thinking if I touched my lip then my vagina I could’ve spread it (it is healed but apparently it could still be shedding)

How comes some websites still state that you shouldn’t touch your cold sore the vagina as it spreads ?

[auntiejessi]

That's true if you are newly infected, but a lot of sites aren't really good at clarifying that. It takes up to 3 months to develop antibodies, so you are well out of that range.

It's a good idea to not touch outbreaks unless you are putting meds on it or something - you can irritate it, get bacteria from your hands into the open wound, etc., but it's nothing you need to obsess over. If you use a topical med, just wash your hands before and after, and you'll be good. If you forget, the chances of anything happening are slim, too.

When your baby comes, don't kiss them with an outbreak, and it will be fine. :)

How many outbreaks do you get? If you get them a lot, have you considered suppression - taking antivirals daily?