Can HSV-1 Or 2 Be Contracted Through Kissing?

Posted on Sat, 24 Jun 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 24 Jun 2017 Answered on

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, today I was kissed on my head ( on my hair). I am worried about the hsv 1 & 2 virus. The person who kissed me first has hsv 1 but has did not show any signs of hsv1. because an hour and a half later I was kissed in the same spot by another person. Can that person contract it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No risk of transmission

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr. kakkar (dermatologist).
I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
I dont think there is any risk of transmission of HSV. Herpes virus does not survive outside the body for more than a few seconds. It dies quickly on drying. Moreover a dry kiss is unlikely to have any risk of innoculation of the virus as compared to a wet kiss.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 hours later)

What if that person had an active cold sore and kissed me on top of my head (on my hair) then an hour later a person that does not have hsv kissed me on my head on the same spot? Would there be transmission, could that person contract hsv from kissing the already kissed hair?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No risk of HSV

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

No. As I said the virus does not surive oitside the body for long and dies quickly on drying. It would not have survived for 1 hour.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng