Transmission

[jynx00707]

If you are diagnosed with Genital Herpes 1 but not Oral Herpes 1, can it only be passed through genital contact? Or because it is H1 can it be passed through saliva? And are you only at risk for genital outbreaks or will it cause cold sores.

[D1930]

No.  With a genital HSV-1 infection, you don't necessarily have an oral infection as well.  HSV does not travel through the body between mouth and genitals or vice versa.  Of course it may be possible that you acquired oral HSV-1 by kissing at the same time as your genital infection.  However, that is unlikely if you never had an oral outbreak.

This answer was posted by "H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D." on a similar question. I think is good idea to take notes and learn as much a you can about HSV-1.

D1930