Herpes transmission?

[MS123]

Hello, 

 

is is it possible to get herpes from shaking the hand of someone who has an oral outbreak? We have a new guy in the office, he has a current cold sore on his lips and I was introduced today with a handshake and was wondering if I should be concerned? 

[mystory]

I am assuming he has HSV on his lips, not on his hands (herpetic whitlow). The virus would need to enter the body through open cut or the mucous membranes. The likelihood of him touching his lips and handshaking right after and you having a cut on your hand through which the virus can enter your body is very, very, very slim...Hand skin is tough and cannot be penetrated by the virus unless you have some abrasions or cuts. I would simply wash hands right after and avoid touching my face (especially the eyes area), but you should do that anyway to avoid any other viruses or germs.