Around 10 years ago I learnt that I had HSV1 as per blood tests. I hadn't ever had any visible cold sores and I was told that it was an old exposure due to high antibody levels.

Around 4-5 years ago (Covid time) I started having atypical HSV outbreaks like a bump above my lips, or bumps under my nose after a cold, and sores inside my mouth(not canker sores). I would feel run down for few days and rhey would resolve. I never had anything on my lips until 2 wekes ago. 

My lips were very dry and chapped and I applied medicated blistex for first time in my life. I stung after application, though I continued for a few days until I developed small sores on my upper lip. I applied topical acivir and they resolved in few days. However  since then I now have developed two areas on mt lips where very tiny weeping sores develop randomly, side of my lips are cut very badly and not healing.

1) It has been 2 weeks now. I still see new bumps come up on my lips or same old areas start weeping. Should I continue to apply topical Acivir cream? Anything else that can help?

2) Why do I have this on my lips after so many years of dormancy. I dont take coffee, chocolate, nuts and stopped drinking years ago. What else can I do? 3) I have kids at home and feel very guilty. What precautions can I take? I don't share towels or pillows. But still they play around and their hands touch my lips area

Your presentation is a little unusual for oral HSV 1 but certainly could be that.  Are you in a place where you could have these lesions swab tested to be certain that they are HSV 1?  I would certainly encourage that if you could do that.

The use of topical acyclovir has been abandoned by most medical practices years ago.  The oral form of the medication is far more effective.  There is a similar drug, valacyclovir, that we use routinely.  For cold sores, the recommended dose, at the first sign of a cold sore, is 2 grams (four of the 500 mg big blue pills) , then repeat that 12 hours later.  For people who get frequent cold sores (myself included), you can take 500 g daily and really reduce or eliminate outbreaks.  

I don't know why your pattern is changing, but that's why I recommend having these swab tested to be absolutely sure that you are dealing with HSV 1.

I am confused by your statement that you are having sores inside your mouth that aren't canker sores - what is different than canker sores and how are you sure that isn't what these area?

Your concern about your children is understandable but general, a brief touch of a sore with hand (with thick skin) would not result in transmission.  Another reason you might want to consider daily suppression with valacyclovir.  

There is no medical evidence that coffee, nuts or chocolate cause herpes activation, though you certainly hear about it from others. that's true in the lab but in people? We just don't have that data.

Terri Warren