And what you describe isnt 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 dont need to share this bit of news with your future partners.

Should you date someone with HSV-1?

Having the herpes virus does not mean that your dating life is over. There is no reason you cannot continue meeting and dating people, as long as youre willing to be open and honest with them about your diagnosis.

Is HSV-1 notifiable?

Information on HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections already exists in NHANES, so herpes infections have not been classified as notifiable diseases.

Can you pass HSV-1 without an outbreak?

Yes. Even when no sores are present, the herpes virus is still active in the body and can spread to others. If you or your partner has herpes, reduce the risk of spread by: using a condom every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal).

How do I avoid giving HSV-1 to my partner?

How can I make sure I dont give anyone herpes?Always use condoms and dental dams during oral, anal, and vaginal sex.Talk with your doctor about taking herpes medication every day, which can lower your chances of spreading herpes.Dont have sex during a herpes outbreak, even with a condom.More items

Does everyone have HSV 1 antibodies?

About 70% of adults have been infected by HSV-1 and have antibodies against the virus. About 20 to 50% of adults will have antibodies against the HSV-2 virus, which causes genital herpes.

Can you get HSV 2 If you have HSV-1?

People who already have HSV-1 infection are not at risk of getting it again, but they are still at risk of acquiring herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) genital infection (see below). The consistent and correct use of condoms can help to prevent the spread of genital herpes.

Can I still kiss with 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!

How long can HSV-1 be dormant?

How long can herpes go undetected? Once youve contracted HSV, there will be an incubation period — the time it takes from contracting the virus until the first symptom appears. The incubation period for HSV-1 and HSV-2 is the same: 2 to 12 days.

Will HSV-1 show up in a blood test?

If you have the herpes virus and your body has produced antibodies, it can be detected on a blood test, even if you have no symptoms. The only time the virus might not be detected on a test (after youve contracted it) is if youve been tested too early.

Is HSV-1 contagious when dormant?

Once youve contracted HSV-1, you have it for life. However, some people with HSV-1 never have any symptoms. This is because the virus can lie dormant in your nerve cells until something triggers its reactivation. You can still pass the virus to other people while its dormant.

Is HSV 1 always contagious?

In most cases, the blisters will break, creating a scab that eventually falls off. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is very contagious. You can spread the virus even when you dont have any symptoms of a cold sore, though youre usually most contagious when you have them.

Does everyone have HSV-1 antibodies?

About 70% of adults have been infected by HSV-1 and have antibodies against the virus. About 20 to 50% of adults will have antibodies against the HSV-2 virus, which causes genital herpes.