Catching Herpes Simples

[Mitch_Mill]

I was exposed to herpes simplex (cold sores) a little over four weeks ago.  Before then, I didn't even know that cold sore's other name is herpes simplex.  My girlfriend had a breakout of cold sore (a small sore in her lower lips).  She off-handedly stated "I am having a herpes outbreak."  On hearing this, I flipped because to me herpes is 'pretty bad'.  She informed me that herpes simplex it is very common, that about 90% of adult Americans have it and that I am making a big deal out of nothing.  She was very upset with me because I flipped.  To make her feel better and because I don't want this 'small' thing to damage our relationship I kissed her throughout the period (5 days) she had the cold sore and we even had sex (we used condom, as we always do) during the period.

I have read a lot about herpes simples since then and I have not had any symptoms.  Is it possible that I did not get infested?  Any opinion will be most appreciated.

Note:  My girlfriend is a dentist and we are both close to 50.

Thanks.

[gracefromHHP]

http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_oralherpes.cfm is a terrific website with more info on oral herpes for more reading.

even if you can't recall ever having an obvious cold sore, at your age, odds are that you have hsv1. if you want to know, get tested.

grace