Herpes transmissions??

Maybe about a month ago, my mom was diagnosed with HSV 1 and 2, and it has been a hard time on my family.  Our whole lifestyle has changed.  We don't share food, drinks, or even  kisses, because we are taking every measure to make sure my younger sister and myself don't contract it.  Now, my mom was simply diagnosed with the disease, she's never had any outbreaks or those facial cold sores, neither has my dad (patient 0 in my household).  My dad hasn't officially been tested or checked on, but he's the one that most likely contracted it from someone.  But, just like my mother, he hasn't shown any signs of herpes.  But I digress, my main question is: since neither of my parents have had any outbreaks, how likely is the transmission from just sharing a soda, a cigarette, or even giving a harmless kiss?

[gracefromHHP]

Unfortunately it sounds like no one took the time to do any proper education for your mom :(

MOst adults have hsv1 orally. it's very common and most people who have it, don't get obvious cold sores to know it. It isn't transmitted through sharing food and drinks as adults - it's transmitted through romantic type kisses. The pecks we give to friends and family isn't an issue once we reach school age :)  No way to know if your mom contracted hsv1 as a small child, from the first person she ever kissed or from your dad at some point in their relationship.  

as for her hsv2 status, encourage her to post here and we'll gladly give her  a hand with that part to make sure she had the proper testing done :)

grace

[stephl81]

I think refraining from sharing sodas and kissing is taking it a little too far. I have both types of HSV and I have never had a cold sore on my mouth.  I get a few outbreaks a year down there and I regularly kiss and cuddle with my son. We hare food and drinks too. He may have already got HSV1 but doesn’t get any sores and I would never touch myself down there and then touch him without washing my hands.  Basic hygiene will eliminate most of that.