Can cold sores spread through water?

Herpes is not spread through water. Genital herpes is a sexually- transmitted disease. This means it can only be spread by direct sexual contact with an infected partner. read more

Cold sore is usually transmitted through the herpes simplex virus 1 and develops as small blisters around the mouth and lips. In very rare cases it might be caused by herpes simplex virus -2, which causes the genital herpes. This usually happens when a person with cold sores has oral sex with someone. read more

The short answer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is no. Herpes is not spread through water. Genital herpes is a sexually- transmitted disease. This means it can only be spread by direct sexual contact with an infected partner. Oral herpes, better known as cold sores or fever blisters, is transferred by kissing or sharing certain personal possessions such as a toothbrush, drinking glasses and straws, and even bath towels. read more

Most people first contract the cold sore virus (HSV-1) when they are very young, usually by skin-to-skin contact with an adult carrying the virus. 1 The virus can spread in various ways: through kissing, or by sharing objects like toothbrushes, water bottles, drinking glasses, and silverware. 2 It is also possible to spread the virus from the mouth to the genitals, eyes, and other parts of the body. read more