Can I get HSV-1?

[cubslove1]

I have a couple quick questions please. I recently received oral sex from a woman who told me she had HSV-1 but had gotten it by receiving oral sex from a partner 7 years ago and hadn't had an outbreak in 2-3 years. I was leery to continue kissing and messing around, but she informed me that her HSV-1 was dormant and that it was dormant in her lower spine nerves, not the usual nerves around the ear. Well, lets say I couldn't resist the urge and she continued to perform oral sex on me.
I have never had symptoms of HSV-1. Is it possible that I can get HSV-1 by receiving oral sex and kissing if her HSV-1 isn't dormant in the usual ear nerves but down in the spine? Thanks.

[gracefromHHP]

sounds like something other than herpes.

[cubslove1]

It has been a few days, and I've noticed a sore in the rear of my mouth on the left side behind where the bottom wisdom tooth would've been had it not been removed. Can a herpes sore happen that far back in the mouth and would it form so quickly after messing around only 2 days prior? I hope its just the anxiety and me looking for symptoms. Thanks.

[cubslove1]

Great, sounds like I'm in the clear! I will keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for all your help Grace.

[gracefromHHP]

if someone only has hsv1 genitally, it won't be shed from the oral area.

[cubslove1]

So if its in the genital HPV1 and it sheds down there, is it possible that it can't be transmitted orally?

[gracefromHHP]

yes it does as far as where it sheds.

[cubslove1]

Thanks for the peace of mind. I was pretty much under the same impression after doing a little research. I didn't know how common HSV1 is.

So it doesn't matter where the virus lays dormant in the body?

[gracefromHHP]

1 out of every 2-3 adults in the US has hsv1 orally. it's incredibly common and most folks who have it don't get obvious cold sores to know that they are infected. If you've never been tested yourself for herpes, consider doing so at some point so that you and your partners can make educated decisions about precautions to use in your relationships. It's typically not a part of routine std testing.  

could she have hsv1 both orally and genitally? yes she could. She also could just have it genitally too.  Honestly this wasn't any riskier than any other oral sex you've received in your lifetime.  It's not worth any testing for unless you experience any symptoms genitally within the next 2-3 weeks.

grace