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HPV positive- now getting cold sores

Ashlea1993
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So this is all new for me but I'm beginning to worry.. Google was not the answer as now I'm thinking all sorts but I saw a few ladies write about their concerns on here so I thought I'd share mine and hope that someone on here can relate or help me calm my anxiety about all of this..

 

so I had a smear in may this year, came back that I had HPV and within a couple months, I had a cold sore appear on my lip, all went away fine but now I've had another- I didn't really think cold sores were ever an issue until being told that they are herpes?! 
 

apparently hpv and herpes are strong indicators for cancer and I'm really starting to worry

can someone please tell me if they have had similar and what you did, I am an over thinker which doesn't help matters but I don't really know who to ask as I feel quite embarrassed about this,

Thankyou to anyone who takes the time to read and respond to me! X

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    The virus that causes cold sores (Herpes Simplex Virus) is not the same as the HPV (Human PapillomaVirus). Having a cold sore while your cervical screening showed you had HPV is not connected.

    However, they are both common infections. HPV can cause the cells that line the cervix to become abnormal. Abnormal cells may become cancerous if they either do not revert back to normal or they are not removed.  If cancer was to develop it can take many years , usually a decade to do so. Going to have your cervical screening done when you are asked will reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer.  

    Cold sores or the virus that causes them do not cause cancer, the NHS has some useful information about these on their website here 

    I hope this helps. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline

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