Can HSV-1 Or 2 Be Contracted Through Sharing Phones?

Posted on Wed, 14 Jun 2017

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

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 Answered on

Thu, 6 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : hypathetically, if someone with HSV1 or 2 were to use a phone and i used a phone afterwards can i contract it? I used a public phone if the area by the mouth piece touched my mouth. Can i contract it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is no risk

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr. kakkar (dermatologist and venereologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.

The HSV type 1 virus usually infects the oro-labial mucosa. It is commonly transmitted by close/direct contact e.g kissing. Since the virus does not survive outside the body for long i.e not more than a few seconds so the transmission usually does not happen through fomites like sharing a glass, water bottle, spoon, towel, handpiece of phone etc.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D