Can I give my partner HSV 1 without an outbreak?
Yes. Even when no sores are present, the herpes virus is still active in the body and can spread to others. If you or your partner has herpes, reduce the risk of spread by: using a condom every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal).
How likely is it to spread HSV 1 genitally?
But it is still possible to spread the infection even when no ulcers are present. One study examined rates of genital herpes transmission in heterosexual couples when only one partner was initially infected [1]. Over one year, the virus was transmitted to the other partner in 10 percent of couples.
Can you kiss someone with HSV-2?
HSV-2 (more commonly referred to as genital herpes) usually only affects the genitals and is very rare in other parts of the body. In short, yes, you can get herpes from kissing. In fact — and unfortunately — kissing is one of the most common ways that oral herpes spreads.
Can I get herpes from my partner’s cold sores?
That’s why people with oral herpes often unknowingly transmit their cold sores to their partner’s genitals during oral sex. Ironically, the person with cold sores may even unfairly blame their partner for getting infected. They may not realize they are the source of their partner’s infection.
Can cold sores increase your risk of STDs?
It may increase your risk of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the cousin of HSV-2, which is primarily associated with genital herpes. About 67\% of the world’s population under 50 has HSV-1. 1
Does HSV-1 cause genital or oral herpes?
It used to be said that HSV-1 usually causes oral herpes and HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. However, the truth is that either virus can infect either location. 2 A growing percentage of genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-1.
Can cold sores be transmitted through kissing?
If a person has cold sores on their lips, they can transmit them to their partner’s mouth during kissing. They can also transmit them to their partner’s genitals during oral sex. Similarly, a genital HSV-1 infection can be transmitted to a partner’s genitals or their mouth.