Anonymous asked: I'm a cisfemale. My cismale partner told me a long time ago that he had oral herpes, and I know that oral herpes can only be passed if the one who passing it has an open sore at the time. Him and I madeout, and now I have 2 sores in my mouth. However, I havent been brushing my teeth as often as I should lately, so that could be the cause of the sores in my mouth also. Without asking him if he has an open sore, and without going to the doctor, how can I tell if it's oral herpes or not?

Well first off, you can pass oral herpes even if there is no open sore at the time. The virus sheds even when there isn’t a sore, but it is more likely to shed right before a sore appears, during a sore, and after. Unfortunately there’s no way to know for sure if what you have is herpes without seeing a doctor. Usually the sores look like red blisters, but it’s best to get it checked out so that you know. It’s also important, just in case you didn’t know this, to know that you can transfer herpes to the genitals if you have an oral infection. Through oral sex a person with cold sores/oral herpes can transfer the virus to their partner genitally, even if they don’t have a sore. That is why it’s important to always use dental dams/condoms during oral sex.

-FYSE

Anonymous asked: Uh... you need to brush up on your facts. Cold sores are a different kind of herpes than genital herpes, and giving oral sex while you have a cold sore does not give your partner genital herpes.

I think I’ll trust KidsHealth

Seventeen

Scarleteen

WebMD

The Mayo Clinic

and you know, the doctors who told me I got genital herpes from having oral sex with someone with cold sores.

Cold sores are the HSV-1 virus which does most commonly happen orally, as HSV-2 most commonly happens genitally HOWEVER you can spread both HSV-1 to the genitals and HSV-2 to the mouth although it is less likely. 

I used to think like you do that cold sores was a different kind of herpes and it wouldn’t spread to my genitals, something I’d heard from friends in school, which is why I didn’t use a dental dam during oral sex and why I now have genital herpes. 

-FYSE

Anonymous asked: A few posts ago, someone asked about herpes. You answered that the risk of spreading herpes when someone isn't having an outbreak is slightly lower--how safe are things like kissing if you're not having an outbreak? I've always been hesitant to kiss my boyfriend because I've had a few cold sores and don't want him to get the dreaded herp.

Unfortunately it’s really difficult to get exact percentages. The only thing that I could find close to that is that up to 70% of people catch genital herpes from an infected partner who has no signs of symptoms.

Oral herpes is incredibly common, about 90% of the population has it so honestly I wouldn’t worry that much about it. Just tell him you have it and talk to him about how common it is and that there is a chance that he could get it. Then talk about how oral herpes can be passed to the genitals if you decide to have oral sex you need to use protection all the time and you need to abstain during a current outbreak.

-FYSE

Anonymous asked: Just got told today I have herpes simplex 1, the type that causes cold sores. Not exactly sure how I feel. I feel like this is so common, that it's almost impossible to avoid getting it. I guess the part that freaks me out the most is about possibly getting genital herpes if oral sex is performed. I don't know if this infection is new, but I've never experienced an outbreak of cold sores before (and I'm hoping I don't jinx it now.) I guess my question is, how would you suggest coping with this?

Well, oral herpes is definitely incredibly common, it’s been estimated about 90% of the population have it. It’s important to use barriers (condoms and dental dams) when having oral sex even if you don’t have a breakout. You’re more likely to pass it if you have a current sore, but even when you don’t there is a chance. Talk to your partners about it and let them know it is possible that they could get it as well, probably orally since really the only thing you can do to prevent it is not kiss whenever you have a current sore which lowers your chances and/or ask your doctor about medication to suppress it. Also let your partners know that barriers aren’t 100% and that there’s still a chance of catching the virus.

-FYSE

Anonymous asked: i just started seeing someone, we haven't had sex only made out, he just told me he has hsv-1, told me the only way i could get it is sex, not orally. i've looked online, and it's flip floppy the answer, he has never had an outbreak, and i'm nervous that i could have it now. help.

It’s possible to get it from kissing. More likely if he had an outbreak, but even when there is no sore the virus sheds and makes it possible to pass. Just try not to worry about it too much, cold sores aren’t really a big thing any way. Just always use protection with sex (not just intercourse) and keep an eye on it.

Anonymous asked: can you post some educational info about oral HSV that involves mouth and throat.

Herpes in the throat is incredibly rare and is basically just one of the things that can cause esophagitis (inflammation of the throat). It usually occurs in people with really low immune systems. Herpes can also be found in the brain, but again that’s really rare. Basically it’s just like any other form of oral herpes, only the sores that are usually found on the lips or face can go farther back into the mouth and come with a sore throat. It can be treated with antivirals and usually it doesn’t reoccur very often.

Anonymous asked: If you makeout with someone that kissed someone with Herpes, do you have it?

If the person who kissed the person with (oral) herpes got it from that person then yes you are at risk for getting oral herpes.

Anonymous asked: So I have HSV Type-1. In other words I have oral herpes. And both my boyfriend and I have it. Is it okay for us to continue kissing ? (We haven't had sex and don't plan to soon). Since we both have it, would it matter if we continued to french kiss and stuff? Also, I'd like to get rid of my cold sore (:

It’s fine to continue kissing. Just remember when it comes to oral sex to avoid it while you have a cold sore and to use dental dams and condoms all the time. As far as getting rid of cold sores they make chapsticks that help treat them or you can take medication to suppress the virus.

Anonymous asked: My cousin's husband's father has oral herpes but is in denial (says his lips are chapped) and despite them begging him not to, he is always kissing their three kids during outbreaks. He has already passed it on to their oldest this way. Is there any way to get him to stop doing this?

Pull up pictures of oral herpes and show him? Or just be flat out “hey, you got herpes, don’t kiss my kids with an outbreak.”