How did I get herpes without any physical contact?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I looked over the image (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Cold sores or herpes labialis is a viral infection most often caused by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and sometimes by a variant called Herpes simplex 2. They often present in multiple stages, starting with itching and burning sensation and then forming blisters in groups or a single blister, which later breaks, causing secretions to ooze out, leaving painful ulceration or soreness and finally forming yellowish scabs. They may accompany gum infections, fever, lymph node enlargement, body aches, headache, and other symptoms. Most commonly seen in one corner of the mouth, but because it is contagious, it may spread to the other corner or around other areas of the lips and body if the secretions are touched or spread.

In case of the above symptoms, they can be diagnosed as Herpes Labialis. Having said that, as you mentioned, not being married or having physical contact with anyone. I would like to assure you that Herpes is not only transmitted sexually but may also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, touching an infected person's hands, or skin during handshakes or hugs and sharing or touching their belongings which may have been contaminated with secretions. They can also be transmitted through skin contact 1-2 days before blisters appear on the potentially infected individual with whom you may share your belongings, have skin-to-skin contact or come into contact with secretions. Herpes is highly contagious and spreads easily without any direct or sexual contact.

Herpes Labialis is often self-limiting, and the current anti-viral treatment may hasten their recovery. Cold compresses, for example, can be used at home to soothe and reduce pain and inflammation. Angular cheilitis is another condition causing similar lesions. They appear similar to Herpes but do not go through the stages mentioned above but usually present with dryness, inflammation, and open ulceration alone. They are most often due to contact saliva accumulation while wearing dentures due to fungal infection. They are not contagious and do not present with constitutional symptoms like fever, body aches, or headaches. Antifungal creams, anti-inflammatory medications, and antibiotics are commonly used to treat them. B complex vitamins can also aid in their reduction. Angular cheilitis usually appears on both corners of the mouth and is not contagious. To confirm the diagnosis, it is ideal to undergo investigation in the form of swab tests where the secretion from the area is collected and tested for viral load. It is also possible to perform blood or serologic tests for HSV 1 and HSV 2 to rule out the presence of viral antibodies. They help with a confirmatory diagnosis.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Herpes simplex does not spread from chicken pox secretion because a different type of virus causes it. On the other hand, contact with an infected person may go unnoticed because some people do not show blisters but may be in the infectious phase and thus transmit the virus without having visible or outwardly blisters. Furthermore, the virus may have been transmitted weeks ago. However, it may still be dormant for some, presenting symptoms such as blisters or cold sores in response to stress, climate changes, lowered immunity, and dietary changes. Therefore, I advise taking the tests to be sure and to have a confirmatory diagnosis.