Oral HSV1

[soconfused2008]

Thanks for the earlier replies...so it's possible to have HSV1 antibodies yet never suffer an outbreak or infection? And what are the risks of transmission if kissing or performing oral sex on someone who is HSV1 negative?

Thanks all.

[scared_half_to_death]

There really is not much research on this to my knowledge. The likelihood of transmission is probably low without symptoms.

My only comment is...

60% of the US population is infected, i.e. 180 million people. 120 million people are not infected. There is not much that you can do here.

One Extreme:
- Hundreds of millions of people could always check HSV1 status before they kiss.
- This includes family members, friends and lovers
- Use protection for all oral and genital contact when one partner has HSV1 and the other does not
- Use anti-virals

In the Middle:
- Be aware that you have HSV1
- Watch for cold sores.
- If they occur, closely manage your personal hygiene and contact

Other Extreme:
- Don't worry about it at all

Personally, I would be "in the middle".

[soconfused2008]

So if my test results do come back HSV1 positive, how likely is transmission (from me) when I've never experienced an outbreak? Can it be transmitted by kissing and oral sex if there are no symptoms of an outbreak? This is all very new to me...

[scared_half_to_death]

You are in a similar situation to everyone else. Many people do not have a reason to test for herpes because they do not have symptoms. Many people have symptoms but do not know that they are herpes so they do not get tested. If you grew up with cold sores in the house, you probably have it orally or facially.

If you and your partner have it, then it really is not anything to worry about. It is certainly an interesting topic, but nothing to worry about.

[soconfused2008]

I am awaiting test results as we speak...I've never had reason to test, and had no idea such a large number of the population are carriers... I grew up around family members who had cold sores, and I was fairly promiscuous prior to marriage, so my physician has prepared me to expect a positive result...As I've been married for 12 years, if I've got it, my partner does too, although neither of us have ever exhibited a symptom...

[scared_half_to_death]

One comment. If you are positive for HSV1, you have suffered an infection. You just did not have any recognized symptoms.

Frankly, there is not much that you can do... HSV1 is so prevalent. All you can really do is avoid contact if you have cold sores. You could tell your partner. However most people do not understand anything about HSV. They are probably positive for HSV1 anyway.

[soconfused2008]

Thank you...and thanks for the suggestion to keep to one thread....I'm a rookie with this, but I'll learn!   : )

[auntiejessi]

Its helpful if you can keep eveyrthing in one thread, so we can keep up lol.

Its very possible to have hsv1 and never have any symptoms.  Only about 20-40% of people who have oral hsv1 ever have any symptoms.

Unfortunately, there haven't been any studies on hsv1 transmission.  We do know that it sheds about 20% of days per year, and that about 30% of all new genital herpes infections are type 1, as a result of oral sex.

AJ