should you tell your parents about your herpes?

[greatgatsby]

I know this is a sort of dumb question...

Recently I was infected with herpes and had a coldsore on my lip.
It's possible I'm infected genitally, but no symptoms so far (my girlfriend does have genital herpes
and we have had unprotected sex a few times).

It's been a very emotional, stressful time.

My question is:
Do you tell your parents about the herpes virus you carry?

My parents tend to worry about me alot, like all parents.  And they don't have much medical knowledge.
Because this disease is an STI, so it's a bit embarrassing to tell them.  But I'd like to get their support,
though I don't want them to worry for me.
Also, when i go to their house, i want to avoid sharing utensils with them so I won't pass it
to them, though they would get suspicious if I don't tell them why.

Just to have a poll here:
Do you tell your parents or not?

Thanks
Richard

[gracefromHHP]

Cold sores are incredibly common. If they notice yours and ask - then say something like yeah - teach me to kiss purdy girls or something - it's nothing to be worried about and not a health risk. I wouldn't go out of my way to talk to them about it though. It's not like you were diagnosed with cancer or something that they do need to know about you know?

Also as an adult - oral herpes is transmitted thru romantic type kisses, not by sharing utensils and such.  You really don't have to worry about transmitting your oral herpes to your parents.  They probably already have it themselves but don't  kiss them on the lips when you have an active cold sore unless you are sure.  

grace

[dial713]

i never told my parents and i really dont plan on telling them. i would feel ebarrassed as well so i know what your going through. i wouldnt know how they would react but well i think the time is right i will them