There are two different types: Herpes Simplex Virus Type I (HSV-1) and Type II (HSV-2).
HSV-1 most commonly results in cold sores on your mouth. It can, but usually doesn't, cause sores on your genitalia. About 67% of the population *of the entire Earth* has HSV-1.
HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease that commonly results in sores on your genitalia. It can, but usually doesn't, cause cold sores on your mouth. Far fewer people have HSV-2 than HSV-1. HSV-2 is what people typically mean when they say they have Herpes in a sexual context.
Things common to both HSV-1 and HSV-2:
- They may or may not produce any symptoms at all
- You can spread the virus due to "shedding", which happens about 10% of the time when you don't have any symptoms (sores)
- Both strains can cause sores on both the mouth and the genitalia. However, it's rare for HSV-1 to cause genital sores and it's rare for HSV-2 to cause cold sores on the mouth
- There's some empirical evidence that suggests if you have one type, you have some immunity to the other type. That is, if you have HSV-1, you won't be able to get genital Herpes as easily as someone who doesn't.
So, if you have a cold sore, chances are very good that you have HSV-1, like most people in the world. You can, but probably won't spread it to a sexual partner, and if you do it isn't the same as Herpes the STD.
You might want to tell your partners, tho
Thank you. Amazing answer. So probably it won’t spread if it’s different type of virus.
Well, if it's HSV-1, it'll still spread if you have cold sores at the time or if it's shedding. But he'll get it from kissing, not oral sex. And there's a good chance he already has it. And even if he doesn't have it, you're shedding and you make out for hours, he still only has like a 50% change of getting it.
There are different types of herpes.
And as far as i know genitalia herpes can be transfered to the lips and vice versa.
Also herpes is only infectious when the symptoms show. (again as far as i know)
But you should tell the guy anyways.
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But herpes is sooo common though, Everyone has those sores on their lips some time of their life. Are you basically saying I can never make out nor give a bj?
I’ve never had a cold sore
As far as I’m aware. As long as you have a cold sore. You should not do anything involving your mouth
You can give BJ's when you're not having a breakout.
This is fucking sick
You shouldn't do ttha without consent anyway.
See the update
You should tell the guy. While I am the minority, herpes is lethal to me. I say I am the minority because most people below 80 or so don't create a small amount of antibodies. I don't create any though, so everything is potentially lethal to me.
If you're really worried you can buy flavored condoms, they're designed for oral sex
You only have to be worried if you have an active breakout
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