Why does my boyfriend keep getting cold sores?

What causes recurrent cold sores? Cold sores can occur when a person contracts the herpes simplex virus, which causes small, fluid-filled blisters around the lips and in the mouth. Many people get cold sores repeatedly throughout their lifetime, as the virus lies dormant in the body between outbreaks.

What does it mean if you give someone a cold sore?

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 a cold sore an STD?

Because cold sores are caused by the herpes virus, many people associate them with sexually transmitted viruses like genital herpes. Because of this, you might occasionally see cold sores referred to as a sexually transmitted disease. So, are cold sore herpes? Yes, most definitely.

What if my partner has a cold sore?

The same virus that causes cold sores also can be responsible for blisters and sores in the genital area. When you have a cold sore, you don’t want your mouth to come in contact with your partner’s genitals. Use hot water. Wash any items you use in boiling hot water to kill the virus.

Should I date someone with a cold sore?

However, that shouldn’t make a new relationship feel like it’s beginning with a big bump in the road. You may be feeling afraid of talking to your partner about having a cold sore, or even dating someone with a cold sore. However, dating with cold sores is possible, if you’re open and honest about it.

Can I kiss my girlfriend if she has a cold sore?

Cold sores are contagious at all stages of the development and healing process, meaning you shouldn’t kiss anyone, share eating utensils, have oral sex or engage in any other oral contact throughout the entire process of a cold sore developing and healing.

Should you tell a partner about cold sores?

Having a cold sore can also lead to genital herpes during oral sex and an open sore may offer an entry point for other STDs. It’s important to have an honest conversation with a partner related to any cold sores so that you can take steps to protect and/or support each other.

How did my girlfriend get a cold sore?

Recap. Cold sores are typically caused by the common herpes simplex virus-1 and usually transmitted through saliva, such as during kissing. They can also lead to genital herpes during oral sex.

Should I be worried if my partner has cold sores?

Why It’s Important to Tell Your Partner Herpes viruses are extremely contagious. And it’s not just the risk of spreading a cold sore that you should be worried about. Having an open sore also increases your risk of an STI by providing the virus or bacteria a direct route into the body.