What Are The Chances Of HSV 1 Through Skin Contact With Infected Spit?

Posted on Sun, 19 Feb 2017

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

Sun, 19 Feb 2017 Answered on

Wed, 15 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, i was spit on with someone who has hsv 1 and is dormant. Is it possible i can contract the virus
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Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Herpes simplex infection is unlikely through a contract with spit.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM
Thanks for posting your query.
Most of these viruses are highly fragile. Not viable outside the body.
All individuals infected with HSV 1 are not always shedding virus.
Just a contact with saliva is very much unlikely to cause a fresh infection of Herpes simplex infection.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (8 minutes later)

she said she has not gotten any cold sores since she was a teenager.
it was a lot of spit that came in direct contact with my face.
she is now 63. I have not seen any cold sores as long as ive known her. but because it was a lot of spit in contact with my face possibly going in my mouth and eyes. i wanted to make sure

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Still the risk is low for HSV infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
As I mentioned still the chances for a fresh infection is very low. If she had a recent episode of recurrence of cold sore (within a week), a slight risk may be considered. Otherwise not to worry much.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar