My partner transmitted oral HSV1 to my genitals via oral sex. He had not had a cold sore in the whole time we've been together (6 years). He had them as a teenager, but not since then (we're in our 40's). Even then, it took 5 years for him to transmit it to me, and we have oral sex very frequently.
Yes, oral herpes is transmitted via kissing, or in my case, oral to genital contact. It can be transmitted during an active outbreak, and during viral "shedding", when the virus is active and there are no symptoms.
So yes, you can have herpes and never be symptomatic. Oral herpes is so incredibly common, and nothing more than a pesky skin condition.
That's the confusing part, I dont think anyone in my family has it and never seen anyone with a cold sore. Is it only transmitted through kissing?
That's the confusing part, I dont think anyone in my family has it and never seen anyone with a cold sore. Is it only transmitted through kissing?
About 70% of the adult population have oral herpes; it's incredibly common. You could have gotten it from that big smooch from Auntie when you were 8 years old! Also, oral herpes is not an STD in relation to oral to oral transmission.
If you tested positive right after this "straw sharing", then you already had it from a prior exposure. No surprise, as sharing cups/straws/utensils is virtually not a risk of transmitting herpes (kissing is how it's transmitted).
Herpes is nothing more than a pesky skin condition. Be thankful you have not had any cold sores, and you may never. If you do, see your doctor about taking an antiviral to help alleviate the symptoms.