How contagious is oral herpes?
Yes. Since cold sores contain the herpes simplex virus, if these virus particles are transferred to others they too can become infected. One common route by which the herpes virus is transmitted to others is by way of direct skin-to-skin contact such as kissing someone or even just brushing against their lesion. Virus particles can also be transmitted to others by way of an intermediary object such as an eating utensil, cup, lipstick or lip balm applicator, toothbrush, or even a face towel. Besides transmitting virus particles to other people it is also important to realize that you can transfer the herpes virus to other parts of your own body. The herpes simplex virus can cause herpetic whitlow, a painful infection of the fingers. A herpes virus infection of the eye can result in corneal blindness. [This is why you should always wash your hands after handling or applying medicine to cold sores.] The most contagious phase of a cold sore’s formation is when its blisters rupture (the Wee
