Cold sores and autoinoculation

By Worried too much? Saturday, March 10, 2007

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I have gotten cold sores for years. I recently found out that you can "spread" the herpes virus to other parts of your own body. Now I am paranoid of spreading my infection to my genitals. I try very diligently to wash my hands before and after touching a sore or putting medicine on a cold sore, but I am sure there are times I do not realize I have touched my mouth. And now my paranoia has gotten the best of me. I am beginning to wonder what if I scratched my genitals in my sleep after I touched a sore? Or, what if I don't yet have a coldsore and I touch myself. I guess my question is how common is transferring herpes from oral to genitals on one's self? And should I worry about this when no coldsore is present?

Transmission through manual stimulation?

Comments (2) | Add comment

BrendanS

3/12/07 1:59pm

Dear Worried too much?:

I have forwarded your inquiry on to a more knowledgeable expert. In the meantime, you might find more generalized assistance in this link, http://www.healthcentral.com/genital-herpes/introduction-000052_3-145.html, regarding the possible modes of herpes transmission. Likewise, you might find more helpful information here: http://www.healthcentral.com/common/frame.html?url=http://www.herpes-foundation.org/.

I hope this helps.

Jeannie May

4/15/07 5:09am

Autoinoculation is possible but if you have had it for years it is highly unlikely. See the quote and link below.

Regards

Jeannie May

Herpes Peer Support & Awareness Campaigger

Quote:

Genital herpes can spread from one part of your body to another.

Fact: You can potentially spread the virus by touching a genital herpes sore and then another part of your body, which is called autoinoculation. This is particularly true during a primary initial outbreak (the first outbreak of genital herpes in people who have never been exposed to the herpes virus before). In general, autoinoculation is very

uncommon after the primary initial outbreak, because your immune system has been established against herpes simplex. If possible, avoid contact with the sores. Practice normal hygienic precautions, i.e. wash your hands with soap after touching your genitals, going to the washroom, etc.

Source:

http://www.herpesresourcecenter.com/mvf.html

Cold sores and autoinoculation

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