Passing HSV1 to Partner?

I have had cold sores almost my entire life, I cannot remember a time when I did NOT get them.  I have always been VERY careful when I notice the FIRST tingling or redness on my lip.  When I have a cold sore I use a different tooth brush and then throw it away, I wash my hands before and after I go to the bathroom.  I have never actually been tested for HSV-1, but I have no doubt I have it as when I get stressed or sick I also get cold sores (about 6/yr).

Last night I performed oral sex on my boyfriend.  About 30 minutes after I performed oral sex on him I thought he had bit my lip, from other kissing, etc.  I went into the bathroom and discovered that it was in fact the beginning of a cold sore.  I immediately put medicine on it, and STOPPED kissing him or even touching any part of him with my face/mouth.  

What are the chances/risk I have passed oral HSV-1 onto my partner genitally?

[gracefromHHP]

switch to acyclovir, way cheaper, you just have to take it 2x/day instead of once daily. why have more cold sores than you have to?

washing up after the sex act doesn't reduce risk at all.

his risk depends on his own hsv1 status. sounds like a good time for you both to get herpes igg blood testing to cover your hsv1 and hsv2 testing bases while herpes is on your mind.   otherwise all he can do is wait and see and should he develop any genital symptoms in the next 2-20 days, he should be seen for testing and treatment.

[gracefromHHP]

no reason to change your toothbrush and toss it after you have a cold sore. You already have hsv1 orally and you aren't going to make it "worse" for yourself or trigger recurrences from a toothbrush.

has your partner ever been tested to know his own hsv1 status?

if you are getting cold sores 6x/year on average, have you considered daily suppressive therapy to help reduce them?  You can get acyclovir for suppressive therapy, even without insurance for anywhere from $10-$20/month in the US.

[NOLAKYKC]

No, to my knowledge he has not had his own HSV1 status tested.  For that matter, neither have I.  I've never been tested because I get cold sores frequently enough that it seemed like a no-brainer.

I was on a daily suppressive therapy at one point.  My doctor put me on a low dose of Valtrex.  Honestly, it was so expensive that I couldn't afford the daily suppressive, so I only take it as a means to make the current ones go away, or if its a stressful time of year then I'll take them daily for a month or so to prevent them being brought on by stress, etc.  My job/financial situation has changed at this point, as has our relationship (for the better), so I suppose my next step is to get on acyclovir to prevent any transmission (if it didn't happen already).

He did immediately get in the shower and wash off after I discovered that he had not in fact bit my lip, and that it was in fact a fever blister, but I'm still concerned as to what might happen in the next three weeks or so?  I honestly had NO idea I was getting one, and I'm normally quite quick at catching the symptoms and taking necessary precautions (not allowing others to drink after me, no kissing, and certainly no oral sex if I know about a fever blister!)

Is it a high or low likelihood that he transmitted HSV1 through my act of oral sex?  Any word you can give based on the fact that I noticed the red, tingling feeling about 30 minutes after giving him oral sex?

Thanks for your help/advice.

[gracefromHHP]

switch to acyclovir, way cheaper, you just have to take it 2x/day instead of once daily. why have more cold sores than you have to?

washing up after the sex act doesn't reduce risk at all.

his risk depends on his own hsv1 status. sounds like a good time for you both to get herpes igg blood testing to cover your hsv1 and hsv2 testing bases while herpes is on your mind.   otherwise all he can do is wait and see and should he develop any genital symptoms in the next 2-20 days, he should be seen for testing and treatment.

[NOLAKYKC]

He did say that he has had cold sores in the past, not near as regular as I have had them, but he does remember getting them at some point in his life.

[NOLAKYKC]

I've been reading some of the other posts on this forum - and I need some clarification.

My partner remembers that he HAS HAD cold sores in the past.  If this is the case, then is there a good chance he has HSV-1 as well, and possibly has the antibodies in his own system that would prevent him from being infected genitally after our actions the other night?  I mean, I know there's always a chance, but as our relationship continues - if we get tested and both have HSV-1 then are we safer (never entirely safe) from passing it onto one another through oral sex because we both have the antibodies?  First things first for both of us is to get on a suppressive therapy!  Am I understanding this all correctly?

[gracefromHHP]

if he's had cold sores in the past then he has hsv1 too. Odds are he isn't going to contract it genitally from oral sex.

no reason for him to go on suppressive therapy for his hsv1 if his cold sores are few and far between.

keep asking questions!

[NOLAKYKC]

Thank you so much for your help!  I've had an appointment with my gyno for a while, but had to change it because of a funeral - so I definitely have some things to ask her when I go later this month.  Waiting is just hard when you're seeking information, and helpful information at that!

[gracefromHHP]

make sure you write down your questions to take with you to your appointment so you don't forget!