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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Use Zovirax After Sharing A Cigarette With Someone Who Had A Cold Sore?

I used someone’s e cigarette and I realised only afterwards that they had what seemed to be a cold sore. I fear that now I have the virus as well. It’s been 6 days but nothing has appeared, although my lips are very dry. I bought a cold sore cream (Zovirax) for safety and I was wondering whether I should use it for prevention although there’s no sign of a cold sore.
Fri, 30 Dec 2022
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  Anonymous's Response
's  Response
Hi,

Your fear is well founded, because the herpes virus can indeed be transmitted in the way you described. The current research on the this topic, which is - can you prevent herpes infection by taking medication after being exposed - is at the moment not overwhelmingly conclusive. Some research suggests that taking oral treatment (a pill) in the days after being exposed may reduce the risk of developing herpes. In any way, the cream you have purchased will have no effect on the outcome.

Bottom line: You have been exposed to herpes. You may develop herpes, but it is not in any way certain. At the moment you are too far from exposure (too much time has gone by) for any meaningful treatment to be started, and your cream will have no effect whatsoever.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Maria Riechel-Sarup, General & Family Physician
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Should I Use Zovirax After Sharing A Cigarette With Someone Who Had A Cold Sore?

Hi, Your fear is well founded, because the herpes virus can indeed be transmitted in the way you described. The current research on the this topic, which is - can you prevent herpes infection by taking medication after being exposed - is at the moment not overwhelmingly conclusive. Some research suggests that taking oral treatment (a pill) in the days after being exposed may reduce the risk of developing herpes. In any way, the cream you have purchased will have no effect on the outcome. Bottom line: You have been exposed to herpes. You may develop herpes, but it is not in any way certain. At the moment you are too far from exposure (too much time has gone by) for any meaningful treatment to be started, and your cream will have no effect whatsoever. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Maria Riechel-Sarup, General & Family Physician