How herpes is transmitted?
Patient: Hi my girlfriend has a coldsore on her lip she just found out about today. She said she will buy over the counter creams and apply it tommorow.  I genereally don't know how the herpes coldsore virus works and how its transferred. Is it through direct contact or can i get it by kissing her cheeks? Doctor: helo thanks for consulting at hcv..herpes is contracted via contact with the mucosal and abraded skin surfaces. Since HSV-2 is tropic for the genital regions, transmission of HSV-2 is usually through sexual contact. HSV-1, which usually infects the mouth and lips, is usually transmitted via kissing or through the exchange of premasticated food,so kindly abstain frm contracting the virus,, she can take topical antiviral and if needed systemic antiviral to reduce the viral sheddings..kindly follow strict personal hygiene,,hope it helps,,tc