HIV Infection Risk Touching Cold Sore

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Herpes Simplex (Cold Sores and Genital Herpes)

What Is Herpes? Herpes simplex refers to a group of viruses that infect humans. Like herpes zoster (shingles, see Fact Sheet 509 ), herpes simplex causes painful skin eruptions. Itching and tingling are usually the first signs, followed by a blister that breaks open. The infection stays dormant in nerve cells. This is called "latency." However, it can become active again with no warning. Herpes can be active without symptoms or visible signs....

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risk of HIV from oral sex with cold sore

what are the risk of contracting hiv from someone from the act of performing oral sex when cold sore blisters are present on the lips of the partner providing the oral sex?would the use of a condom reduce the risk? it is possible for the virus to be...

Response from Ryan M. Kull, C.S.W

Columbia University's Health & Related Services

Theoretically, if you have some sort of active sore or lesion and that comes into contact with HIV infected fluids, there would be an increased risk of HIV transmission. A barrier that prevents fluids from coming into contact with the sore would... Read more »

Cold Sores and HIV Infection

Hey Dr. Rob-I"m a huge fan of You and your organization, and I want to start off by saying "thank-you" for all that you do. I'll be sending my semi annual donation very soon! :)Okay-here is my concern. I recently went to a bath...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello CGM (Concerned Gay Male),You are correct: the overall risk of HIV transmission from oral sex is low. Can having an active herpes outbreak increase your chances of acquiring HIV? Yes, it is possible, particularly if you had open herpes sores or... Read more »

cold sore as an early sign of HIV infection?

Mr. Sowadsky-- About six months ago, I had sex with an old boyfriend, andalthough I do remember using condoms with him, I'm not sure because I was extremely intoxicated. At anyrate, this summer I had an outbreak of cold sores on my nose after a...

Response from Rick Sowadsky, M.P.H.

Nevada State Health Division AIDS Program

Hi. Thank you for your question.Cold sores are due to the Herpes Simplex viruses. A person can have theherpes viruses and NOT have HIV. They are two seperate infections.Stress (both physical and emotional), can activate the herpes viruses, andlead... Read more »

Hiv from touching toothbrushing (SNIFFING AND HIV, 2010)

Hello Dr Bob, Need you sincere opinion on what is happened to me.For 3 weeks I work abroad (in UK). I moved with a colleague of mine.(we share the same house, the same bathroom). First of all, I have OCDregarding HIV infection. I keep my personal...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,HIV from touching a toothbrush handle and sniffing it? WOWZA! Your OCD is OOC (out of control!). Your HIV-acquisition risk is nonexistent. Your fears are irrational and unwarranted. I'd suggest you seek counseling (psychotherapy), because,... Read more »

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Cold sores /hiv infection

Posted by bug, 2 Replies

Hello,
I recently had sex with a prostitute and was so drunk(and stupid) i couldn't think of any possible dangers.
The prostitute had several cold sores on her body. We had unprotected oral sex (lasted less than a minute) and 2 times protected vaginal... Read more »

cold sore/pimple?

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

could a cold sore on the upper be lip at first be confused as a pimple? and would it indicate hpv if a cold sore, or does hpv show as clusters? Read more »

STD? cold sores, herpes???

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

i've seen how cold sores are active in hiv poz individuals. but i thought cold sores were common in people with a herpes strain? and the cold sores would be were you came into contact with the herpes virus. ie you won't get herpes on your lip if... Read more »

cold sores....

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Hi all,Iam unaware of my hiv status, about 3 months ago(while under alot of stress) i got tiny white bumps on my upper lip and some in the corner of my mouth, I thought that it might of been cold sores, but 3 months later they haveint grown,they... Read more »

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