Herpes on Tongue

[mtsdtr]

If I have been exposed since childhood to Herpes I (cold sores, fever blisters) what is the likelihood that I can contract oral Herpes (on my tongue edge) from kissing?  My BF contracted oral herpes from a girlfriend five years ago during oral sex.  He has never had any symptoms of genital herpes - just white sore spots on the front edge of his tongue that last several days accompanied by tingling and feeling like tiny cuts.  He was getting over a recent outbreak (no active lesions  - just minor discomfort) when we saw each other 13 days ago - and the discomfort left about four days into our time together.  On the 13th day (yesterday) I got cold sores on my chin and my tongue tingles (minor discomfort).  I have no white spots, blisters, etc. on my tongue - just on my chin.  I have no discomfort or blisters on my genitals. I have an appt with an ob-gyn that specializes in STD's on Monday and I am using Zovirax ointment on my chin.  Does this sound like I have contracted his oral Herpes?  Or is that unlikely since I often get Herpes I (coldsores and fever blisters?)

Thanks!!!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The fact that you get cold sores indicates that you have HSV-1, thus the chances of you getting a second HSV-1 infection are quite small.  further, HSV-2 very rarely occurs in the mouth and when it does, hardly ever recurs.  Furthermore, your HSV-1 infection gives you some degree of partial immunity to infection with HSV-2 (not total but it does help).  It is unlikely you acquired his infection.  EWH

[mtsdtr]

I am indeed grateful for your reply.  Thank you very much.