Cold Sores? UGH

[tataa]

I notice every summer I get cold sores. Like clockwork they come every summer! I know it's herpes simplex 1 which is embarrassing to say but if I ever was to give my partner oral sex could it be possible that I can transfer it to him even if the cold sore isn't visible?

[Bushidokaizen]

yes. it is possible to spread type 1 of herpes if you have cold sores and you give your partner oral sex. That is why i think 95% of people have herpes simplex 1.

[tataa]

Ok thank you!

[its_legal@16]

but i believe the cold sores have to be active, because when i played saxophone when i was younger i caught it and i've never given anyone herpes when my cold sores haven't been active and the same had applied vise vers

[Massdebator]

If your cold sores are the product of a HSV (herpes simplex virus), then you can pass the virus on even when you are NOT showing visible symptoms. It's called "shedding" and works kind of the same way a mammal sheds fur. At any point in time, one can be shedding the virus, but these periods in which your partner(s) is/are vulnerable tend to be before the onset of visible symptoms.

As a side-note, cold sores on, in, or around the mouth can stem from both HSV 1 and HSV 2. Don't be ashamed if you have herpes. Just be upfront about it with your partners. Also, be aware that there is a difference between cold sores and canker sores. Canker sores are similar, but are not caused by HSV. They are believed to be an inherited disease rather than a communicable disease, and like herpes there is no known cure.

Check with your doctors to see if what you have is herpes, or just canker sores. Be responsible, and get tested for STIs at least once a year.

[tataa]

Well for starters, I don't have a partner as of now. I'm not sexual active yet and I was just wondering in case I do have a partner and I want to please my partner orally would that come in away. I've been to the ER about my cold sores and she has explained to me it's only Herpes Type 1. Herpes type 2 is usually in the genital area I thought.... I've had a canker sore before I know the difference between the two. I've had cold sores since I was in middle school off and on.

[Massdebator]

Herpes Simplex 1 is typically contracted as oral herpes, but can be contracted as genital herpes as well. HSV1 in the genitals is often less severe than HSV2. The same goes for HSV2, in that one can contract HSV2 as oral herpes, but the resulting outbreaks will be less severe than those of HSV1 as oral herpes in many cases. One can also self-inoculate during shedding or outbreaks, which basically means spreading the virus to other parts of one's own body. The chances of successful (but unfortunate) self inoculation are low, however, as are contracting one herpes virus after already having contracted the other.

That being said, I think it's important to note that I am not a medical professional, and I hope that Brandye will correct me if I'm wrong on any point. Research on HSV is still not completely conclusive, and the medical community is learning new stuff about it everyday. That doesn't mean you can afford to take risks by being some kind of maverick. Not everyone can be John Wayne.

[tataa]

hey I like the ending " Not everyone can be John Wayne" that was funny. Okay but seriously I'm thankful for all the feedback and when I do decide to be "active" I'm going to play it safe..but it's kinda of hard to kiss someone and then afterwards add " hey did you know I can possibly be effected with herpes simplex" I don't think anyone would take that too lightly.