Cold sore

[Surferman75]

So, I haven't had a cold sore in a few years, and I'm very aware of the symptoms just prior to getting one. Is it possible I could have passed it to someone I've kissed? Or, does it usually only happen during viral shedding which happens just prior to an outbreak?

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, viral shedding and outbreaks are 2 different things. Shedding is when the virus is at the surface with no sore and an outbreak is the virus at the surface with a sore. During both events contracting is possible but the kisses would need to be rubbing and grinding kisses to force the virus into the nerve.

[Surferman75]

So does that mean that I always have to worry about possibly giving someone else the virus?

Also, Do those people that have the virus and never have outbreaks ever have the ability to transmit the virus?

[Life360_Dave]

If you in fact have hsv and have had a test to verify your status positive then yes other people could contract it from you esp if your having an outbreak.

[Surferman75]

I'm referring to the likelihood of spreading it when not having an outbreak

[Life360_Dave]

For a person with established herpes the shedding rates are as below:
1. hsv 2 gential 15-30% of the days evaluated
2. hsv1 genital 3-5% of the days evaluated
3. hsv1 oral 9-18% of the time evaluated
4. hsv2 oral 1% of the days evaluated.