Do you need to disclose that you get cold sores?

In addition to talking with your doctor about cold sores, you may need to disclose your infection to other individuals. Since the virus can spread through kissing and sexual contact, it’s important to tell your intimate partners (both current and former) about your diagnosis.

Is it OK not to disclose herpes?

There are no black and white rules for telling your partner you have herpes, and everyone needs to make their own decisions depending on the situation, but the fact is more people are accepted by new partners than rejected for having genital herpes. Some people choose not to tell casual partners.

What happens if you make out with someone with a cold sore?

The short answer is that it’s not. In general, it’s best to wait until after the scabs and sores completely disappear before you kiss someone or engage in oral sex. This is because the herpes virus can continue shedding in the late stages of a cold sore healing, even if there’s no viral fluid present.

Is it OK to kiss someone with herpes?

For starters, avoid direct skin-to-skin contact during an outbreak. This includes kissing and oral sex, since herpes can be spread through oral action, including rimming. Avoid sharing objects that make contact with saliva, like drinks, utensils, straws, lipsticks, and — not that anyone would — toothbrushes.

Do I need to tell my partner I have HSV 1?

And what you describe isn’t unusual: Most adults have been exposed to oral herpes (HSV-1) and many of us do not remember having a cold sore. Oral-to-genital transmission in the absence of an outbreak is rare, so you don’t need to share this bit of news with your future partners.

Can you have herpes and never give it to your partner?

Additionally, herpes does not transmit 100\% of the time. It’s possible to have a long-term partner who has herpes and to never get the infection. If your partner does not have herpes, there are some things for you both to know to move forward.

Are cold sores always herpes?

Having a cold sore does not necessarily mean you have an STD. Most of the cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which usually affects the lips and is not generally transmitted by sexual contact. Though less common, cold sores may be caused by another type of herpes simplex virus called HSV-2.

Can I kiss my partner if I have 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!