Hi Terri,
I'm concerned as to whether or nott I am now at risk for contracting oral HSV1 from an event that occurred yesterday. I am negative (confirmed via Western Blot) for both HSV1 and 2, and my boyfriend is as well.
My boyfriend's mother gets HSV1 outbreaks under her right eye. Yesterday, when we visited her, she had an active outbreak under her eye that was still weeping. She gave us both a hug and kiss on the cheek goodbye, and not wanting to be rude, we didn't pull away of course.
However, now we're concerned about contracting her infection. Given that she had an active outbreak my questions are as follows:
1) Even though her OB is under her eye, would she still be shedding virus from her mouth?
2) If she is shedding from her mouth, how likely are we to contract the infection from the brief social kisses on the cheek she gave us?
We are pretty concerned, and would like some reassurance if you can provide us with any. I understand that intact skin on the cheek is a pretty good barrier, and the skin is also pretty thick there. Does that make it less likely for us to get it? Thanks!