Hello Doctor, I Have A Co-worker Who Had Active HSV1

Posted on Mon, 27 Jan 2020

Question: Hello doctor, I have a co-worker who had active HSV1 for two weeks. As he is my teammate, I need to work with him day to day activities. He was talking with me very closely one day with active sores on his lips while explaining a whiteboard session and I am not sure whether he spit on my facial area especially mouth. You know its common that many people spray little saliva while talking. He used to lick his lips usually regardless of whether he has active herpes on his lips or not. On the fourth day or fifth day of this incident, I got a fever and I got sores inside my lower mouth and upper mouth and it existed for almost 10 days. As its inside my mouth, I couldn't see it at all. I never get this kind of sores on my mouth in my life. I got HSV1 and HSV2 results negative when I tested six months ago and I am not sexually active as well. I want to know how contagious is it when the cold sore is active when a person is licking on it and spray little saliva while talking. Please advice me whether I have to worry of this situation. I am little nervous at this time certainly.

Answered by Dr. Dr. (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Negligible risk, still require further evaluation....

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have gone through your query and here is my advice.

As per your history, there may be very negligible risk but still should get evaluated as symptoms may begin to show within 3 to 5 days after exposure.

For further assessment, I would suggest you to consult with Dermatologist for detailed clinical examination.

He may procure HSV - 1, ulcer swab, complete hemogram as per evaluation.

Further treatment mainly depends upon the underlying condition. Till then you can apply lignocaine Jelly locally. For pain you can take tablet acetaminophen. Keep your self hydrated.

I would suggest you to repeat tests after 4 to 6 weeks after Dermatologist consultation.

Hope I have answered your query..
Let me know if I can assist you further.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj