HSV-1 and my partner

[Blue Collar Moose]

If I have HSV-1, how does this affect my partner? What should we do (or not do)?

Thanks, not sure about all this!

[getSTDtested Administrator]

Hi,
Good question. If you have HSV-1, it does not mean that you have genital herpes and also does not mean that the infection was sexually transmitted. What you should do is take precautions; do not kiss or perform oral sex if you have a cold sore, this could transmit the virus to your partner. Other than that, there is no reason to be alarmed. Most people are positive for HSV-1 and it is not necessarily sexually transmitted.

[Troy]

Thanks for that guidance, it helps to give an idea of common sense practices. Everyone with cold sores would likely test positive for HSV-1, which could be genital herpes, of course, but most often is not.

Great forum! I love it here, and the fact there's NO spam!

[Blue Collar Moose]

Thank you, I really appreciate your helpful response. What did we do in the old days before we could go online and find things like this forum?

I had a pretty good idea that HSV-1 is common, and more often than not means a person had cold sores at some point. It's good to have someone to validate both me and my concerns!

Thanks again and keep up your work - it's needed.

[Blue Collar Moose]

I went ahead and got tested and was positive for HSV-1. Pretty much suspected I would and it's probably cold sores like you talked about. I've had them pop up now and again for as long as I can remember. Yes and yes on not kissing or doing oral while a sore is hanging around.

Thanks for the reply.

[NC Paul]

I get confused about the HSV-1 vs. HSV-2 thing, too, so this is all good to know. Since I have both, it's probably a given I have genital, I guess.

[Victoria]

HSV-1 is usually an oral infection, while genital herpes more often involves HSV-2. However, either type can be in either location. While probably only about 10% of oral HSV involves HSV-2, it's more common for HSV-1 to infect the genital skin. One would assume the risk there is linked to oral sex.

Victoria