HSV1 transmission from sharing cups

[plmokn098]

I have been living in the same space as a friend for a few days that has an active cold sore. During lunch, I accidentally had a sip from a mug of her tea. Later during lunch I realized we had accidentally confused our water cups as well.
Would this be enough exposure to transmit the HSV1 virus to me?

About 6 or so hours after lunch, I started feeling tingling around my mouth. I felt this on and off throughout the next day. Now it has been ~30 hrs after that lunch, and I feel persistent tingling on my lips and around my mouth area, as well as sort of a stinging burning feeling. Would these symptoms indicate a cold sore outbreak? Would the symptoms have been transmitted this fast (I saw the incubation period is 2-12 days)? If these symptoms are not a cold sore what could it be?

In your experience, have you seen cold sore transmission through this way? And have you seen or is it possible for symptoms to be spread this fast?

What do you recommend I do now? Very anxious and worried and upset that I could have contracted this through some silly mistakes from a lunch

Thank you!!

[Terri Warren]

I have never seen transmission via a cup or glass.
Symptoms would not show up that quickly. The soonest I have seen sores from a new infection is 2 days.
I assume that you have already done an IgG antibody test to know that you were not infected prior to this instance? You could do one now and see what you get. Most people already infected with HSV 1 don’t know it so it’s possible you already have this.

Terri

[plmokn098]

Is transmission possible from sharing the same bathroom space – sinks/shower etc? Or just close living quarters with someone with an active cold sore?

Though I felt tingling and burning the first 2-3 days when I posted, this tapered off and I have not felt those symptoms since and never got a sore. Could this be possible HSV1 symptoms without cold sore formation? I was very freaked out at the possible exposure during that time. Could this have been just anxiety and maybe dry lips?

I had previously always tested negative for the IgG test for HSV1 and had no new possible exposures of any kind besides this since then (same long-term partner, no encounters for either of us). Also have never had any symptoms or a cold sore before in my life. I will wait until 6 weeks to test. What is the longest I need to wait before knowing the test results are definitely accurate?

Overall, based on my history and incident – do I really need to worry? Based on what I’ve read from you and others, I don’t need to worry about transmission from sharing cups. But the initial symptoms got me more worried. Hoping for your professional opinion to ease my mind – thank you!!

[Terri Warren]

No, it is not transmissible living with someone who has a cold sore or sharing a sink or shower.
I personally feel there is no need to test or worry. I hope you can move on from this concern.

Terri

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