different HSV-1 strains?

[psia]

Hi,

Both my girlfriend and I have HSV-1 (oral) herpes. I had one oral outbreak when I was a little kid, and haven't had an outbreak since. My girlfriend has cold sores appear on a regular basis.

I'm wondering if I don't have outbreaks because my immune system is better at suppressing the virus, or if it could be because I have a less 'severe' strain of the virus than my girlfriend. If it's the case that my girlfriend has an HSV-1 strain that's more likely to cause outbreaks, am I at risk of getting that strain from her and then experiencing outbreaks?

Thanks!

[gracefromHHP]

As adults, oral herpes is almost exclusively transmitted thru good ole romantic type kisses. You really don't need to worry about sharing drinks or anything like that as an adult.

No reason to suspect that you'd get your gf's hsv1 and then start having cold sores again.  Research has shown that it's not the strain of hsv that is the issue as much as the individual's body.

grace

[psia]

OK, the no oral precaution thing makes sense. I'm more curious about everyday things like sharing water bottles, or maybe even kissing when a cold sore might be starting to form. Is it possible that by doing this I could start getting oral outbreaks, even though I already have oral HSV-1 but don't get outbreaks?

Thanks!

[gracefromHHP]

It's more of a genetic issue than it is your immune system.  This is not an issue for either of you though err on the side of caution and never perform oral on your partner if you have signs of a cold sore starting or an active cold sore.

grace