I have had herpes simplex 1 in my eye, which has been treated and has been in remission for 5 or 6 years. My girlfriend has had cold sores since before I met her, she recently had an outbreak, I was wondering if I should worry about catching cold sores from her or if I am safe because my immune system was already repressing the virus.
Hi Dear, Welcome to Chat Doctor. Understanding your concern. As per your query your girlfriend have cold sores' outbreak which is due to viral infection mainly due to herpes, and it is due to poor immunity of body. You are safe as virus is in latent stage in your body, and it will activate once immunity of body lowers down. I would suggest you to take antiviral medication such as Acyclovir. Apply calamine lotion on these sores and apply retinoid cream over the affected area with proper medical supervision. Visit dermatologist once and get it examined and start treatment after examination. In some cases it will develop bacterial infection as well, so you should apply mupirocin gel on these sores and take antibacterial medication. Hope your concern has been resolved. Get Well Soon. Best Wishes,