okay so ever since i was little i would get cold sores, herpes simplex 1. i learned in class that 80% of people get them. But, i was just wondering, if i were to perform oral sex (when i did not have an outbreak) could i still give it to the guy on his genitals?
If you share a drink (or eating utensils, anything that touches lips) with someone you can spread it. It is easily spread to other parts of the body (including fingers, eyes, breasts, nostrils, a d genitals). Kissing is usually the most effective way to contract oral herpes.
You do not need to currently be having an outbreak to transfer it to another person or animal (such as your dog licking your lips). It is a fact that you don't have to have an active, open sore to be able to pass the virus on to other people or other parts of your body. The virus often sheds in skin cells and from the mucous membranes when there is no sign of a sore at all. This means you can spread it to others even when it looks like you don't have anything at all.
If you have sexual relations with the guy you can transmit herpes. If you give him oral sex, there are good chances that he can contract oral herpes onto his genitals. After that, he can pass that onto your genitals as well.
You can EASILY spread it all over yourself so it's important to keep your hands washed even not during an outbreak.
You are correct in saying that herpes is very, very common now:
"...one in six adults have genital herpes. It is estimated that over 80 million Americans have herpes of one form or another. This means that 8 in 10 Americans are or will become infected."
Although it is very common, it is still very serious and you should take every precaution possible to prevent spreading it onto your partners. Since you are completely aware that you have oral herpes (HSV-1), you can actually be sued by a sexual partner (current or passed) if you do not inform them before sexual relations that you have herpes and can pass it on. Now, THAT is how serious this is!
I also want to note that most people have regular outbreaks but it is possible to go years in between them. Most people also show signs of contracting HSV-1/2 about 10 to 14 days after but there are occasions where some do not have outbreaks for years.
There is no cure for herpes so it is a life-long thing people live with. There are treatments to make the outbreak shortened as well as medication that suppresses outbreaks. The medications sound very scary as they can cause seizures and even death. Condoms are not completely effective on prevent transmission either so please do not conclude that you can rely on them. NEVER have oral sex when you feel you have an outbreak starting or are currently having one. 15 days prior and after the outbreak you are highly contagious--though, again, you can spread it at any time.
It may be best to speak to your doctor about helping to suppress outbreaks if you feel they are bothersome anyway.
I hope I've cleared up some things for you and answered your question clearly. If you have any more questions regarding this matter please feel free to ask me :) [ Peeps's advice column | Ask Peeps A Question ]
TrojNgrl6907 answered Friday May 16 2008, 1:22 am: Although the virus is most contagious when a sore is present, it can still be passed on even if you can't see a sore. HSV-1 can also be spread by sharing a cup or eating utensils with someone who has it.
In addition, if you or your partner gets cold sores on the mouth, the herpes simplex virus-1 can be transmitted during oral sex and cause herpes in the genital area. [ TrojNgrl6907's advice column | Ask TrojNgrl6907 A Question ]
AskKay23 answered Friday May 16 2008, 12:57 am: Yes, if there are open sores on your mouth it's possible to spread herpes to the person you are performing oral sex on-- and kissing.
Stay away from things that make your mouth hot--like spicy and acid foods/drinks.
Milk is a good home remedy that can also make the sores settle.
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