Hi I'm curious about this. If I touched someone who has cold sores, how long will the virus stay on my hand?

Question

Thanks..I checked everywhere and some say it immediately dies or takes at least 8 hours to 48 hours. I want some answers that are relatively close thanks :)

Answer 1

After you touch the person with the cold sore, wash your hands immediately!

Answer 2

Wash hands thoroughly and you have killed it!!

Answer 3

look it can live on your hand until you wash with soap and or disinfectant.

if you have touched the coldsore and yours or someone elses privates there could be a chance you have passed it onto that area so be careful and make sure that when you  have a shower if it's you with the coldsore make sure the towel you use to dry your face isn't used to dry your privates

Answer 4

The cold sore virus doesn't immediately die.  That is one of the reasons why it is so contagious.  You can catch the cold sore virus by sharing cups or towels with someone who has the virus.

With that said, many of us already have the cold sore virus dormant in our bodies, and never have a flare up of cold sores.  We contracted it as children, as it is a very common virus, and children pick it up easily as they often share food and drinks, and may be less concerned about hand washing and hygiene.   Cold sores can be transmitted even when the person does not have a cold sore, though it is less likely to happen then.  

In the meantime, here are a couple of informative links.

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-t...

http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/ach...