Table of Contents
How likely is it to spread HSV-1 without symptoms?
Herpes (both oral & genital) can be spread even when there are no symptoms or sores. This is called asymptomatic shedding. Suppressive antiviral therapy significantly reduces asymptomatic shedding (and outbreaks). Valacyclovir taken daily can reduce risk of transmission to a partner by as much as 50\%.
Can HSV-1 be transmitted through saliva without an outbreak?
HSV-1 is most contagious during an outbreak of symptomatic oral herpes, but can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or visible. People with active symptoms of oral herpes should avoid oral contact with others and sharing objects that have contact with saliva.
Can you kiss someone with a cold sore and not get one?
Truth: You can get a cold sore by kissing. Even if you don’t see the sores, the virus can still be contagious. But you should be especially cautious about kissing someone who has active blisters, because that’s when the virus spreads most easily.
Can you pass a cold sore by oral?
Cold sores spread from person to person by close contact, such as kissing. They’re usually caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and less commonly herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both of these viruses can affect your mouth or genitals and can be spread by oral sex.
Is it safe to kiss someone with HSV-1?
So, can you ever kiss again? I vote yes, although there is a slight chance of transmitting the virus even in the absence of any symptoms. To reduce the likelihood of transmission, if you DO have an active HSV-1 lesion (like a lip blister), skip the kiss…and give a hug!
Can HSV-1 spread dormant?
Once a person has contracted HSV, they can transmit the virus even during dormant periods when there are no visible sores or other symptoms. The risk of transmitting the virus when it’s dormant is less. But it’s still a risk, even for people who are receiving treatment for HSV.