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Can a cat cause fever blisters on a humans mouth?

RESPONSE:

You don’t get cold sores (also known as fever blisters) from cats. They are caused by a virus called the Herpes Simplex 1, or HSV-1. You may catch the virus yet have no symptoms for years because it lays dormant.

The American Social Health Association states that around half of the U.S. population is infected with HSV-1, and by age 50, almost 90 percent of people have the virus. Once infected, HSV-1 winnows its way to the ganglia (nerves) at the top of your spine, where it lays dormant until it activates. Even when you have an outbreak and the cold sores are gone, the virus remains in your body forever. You may never have another episode or you may have recurrent attacks.

The fluid in the blisters actually contains live virus. When the blisters rupture, live virus spills out, making this the most dangerous time to catch fever blisters, Kissing a person, sharing their towel or washcloth, razor, eating utensils, or other personal items are different ways the virus spreads. Herpes Simplex 1, the cause of fever blisters, is very contagious. Wash your hands and keeps your hands away from your face are about the best protection you can have.

Although you won’t catch cold sores from your cat you can get cat scratch fever from a cat. It is usually evident with sores at the location of a cat bite or cat scratch but you didn’t mention being scratched or bitten on the mouth by your cat so it appears unlikely your cat has anything to do with your cold sores.

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