chance of contracting hsv1

[thunderlimbs]

Hi, the other day i had protected sex with a coworker who contracted oral herpes last year.  What are the chances of me contracting oral herpes from this one episode of exposure.  She was not having an outbreak at the time that i can tell about but am still paranoid.  She also performed unportected oral on me and i her.  Can you please give me some facts about my chances of:

1. Contracting oral hsv1 from this encounter when i couldnt see any sores or it didnt look like she was having an outbreak

2. contracting genital hsv1 from this scenario.

Thanks!

[passedHSV1]

"Or you could have an HSV-1 blood test. If positive (which is likely, since most people are), you are highly resistant to a new HSV-1 infection."

I noticed, Dr. HHH, that you have changed the way you give advice now on the possibility of contracting HSV-1 genitally after having it orally. You no longer opine "immune...can't get it even if you try" like you said when I was looking for advice on this topic. Now you say "highly resistant".

You said you will mainatin the same point of view on the topic until new evidence arises to change your mind. What made you change your mind now? Is there new evidence?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Just as with oral-genital transmission, no statistics are available for oral-oral by kissing.  Probably mroe or less the same, though.

HHH, MD

[thunderlimbs]

Thank you doctor.  What are the chances of gettig oral herpes on the mouth (aka cold sores) from this encounter.  I couldn't see any cold sores present but i'm sure there must be some risk.  I have tested negative in the past for both hsv1 and hsv2.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

There are no available data on the risk of HSV-1 transmission for a single oral sex event, except that it is very low.  My guess is the risk is well under one chance in 1000, but that's only a guess.  If you don't develop symptoms suggesting herpes within 1-2 weeks, you can assume you are home free. Or you could have an HSV-1 blood test.  If positive (which is likely, since most people are), you are highly resistant to a new HSV-1 infection.

Good luck-- HHH, MD