Herpes via Indirect Transmission.

[OzzieWorried]

Hi There!!

Quick Question. I would like to know if its possible to contract herpes if someone touches a sore on there lip and then touches and object which you touch immediately after? are there any reported cases of this? and what is the liklihood?

The reason I ask is because there is a guy in a study group of mine who constantly has a sore on his upper lip. Normally I wouldn't worry but he gave me his usb stick so i could  get part of his work which i plugged into the computer, which i didnt think much of, until i returned it to him which he then rested on his lips whilst holding it immediately after!!. I think this is a usual thing with him because when he didnt have the usb stick i noticed that he tends to rest the brim of his cap on his lips. What is it with this fella and putting things in his mouth?? I dont know if i inadvertently or subsconsiously rubbed my eye after he gave me his usb stick but i also have some torn skin beside my fingernail.. you know those nasties! and im worried this could of come in contact with the herpes virus.

the last time i took note of his lips was a full month ago, which he still had the sore from the to yesterday?? dont no if its been then come back. could this even be a cold sore if he may have had it all that time or does he have something else going on? my main concern is that i could get it my eye or on my fingers as i know on lips is pretty regular occurance & nothing to much to worry about. but dont think i could cope with it on my fingers & then worry about touching everything!!

this question wasnt so quick was it? haha. sorry but thank you!

[OzzieWorried]

Thanks grace, i think my paranoia took a hold a little there. Given the length of time he has had thre sore i think he might have what i read to be actinic keratosis or solar cheilitis.. caused from too much sun exposure. poor bloke. he his quite fair skinned which would be an explanation.. we have a tough sun here in australia. but even if he does have a cold sore, glad to know i couldnt contract from coming into contact with his saliva. Thanks again!

[gracefromHHP]

as an adult, oral herpes is transmitted from romantic type kisses. it's not something you can get from touching objects or anything like that.

this was not a risk for you.

grace

[OzzieWorried]

also how long would i need to wait to be sure. if i develop no symptoms in a week should i assume everythings fine & should i avoid touching myself in susceptible areas until then?? i know this my be over doing it.