T O P I C R E V I E W
MusicNerd
Member # 95998
posted 07-26-2012 06:37 PM
So, when I was around 6 or 7, I vaguely remember getting a cold sore and I also remember getting one when I was 13. I've talked with my doctor about the likelihood of transmission since I've only ever had those 2 cold sores in my life, and she said that my chances of passing HSV1 on to anyone else were very slim. She also informed me that many people are unaware that they already carry HSV1 and that I could've gotten a cold sore at a young age via my relatives (since I've never kissed a non-relative before). I guess my two questions here are: 1. Are my chances really that slim? and 2. Should I tell someone right before I make out with them, "Hey, so I've had a total of 2 cold sores in my life and 1 was from when I was a little kid... Wanna make out through some saran wrap or something?" I guess I just need some reassurance here, but I would hate to pass it on to someone else if there's a way that I could prevent it somehow. [ 07-26-2012, 06:44 PM: Message edited by: MusicNerd ]
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 07-26-2012 06:56 PM
HI MusicNerd, Oral herpes is most frequently transmitted when there is an open or a developing cold sore. The tricky thing with this is that when a cold sore is just developing, one doesn't always know. However, since you've had so few cold sores in your life, it sounds as if, even if you're carrying the virus, your chances of transmitting it are pretty slim. Your doctor is absolutely right that a lot of people have HSV-I, that they contract it nonsexually either as children or as adults. Unless you have an open cold sore, or feel as if you might be getting one, I see no reason why you would need to discuss your previous cold sores before you make out. It's something you'd want to consider if engaging in oral-genital contact, but that goes anyway since several STIs can be transmitted through that type of sex. Does this help at all?
MusicNerd
Member # 95998
posted 07-26-2012 07:48 PM
Actually, yes, that most definitely helps! I figured breaking out the saran wrap would be a bit of a moodkiller, but I'm glad to know from another trusty source that transmitting oral herpes would be really slim in my case and that I wouldn't have to go through using that awkward-dry-humor line before I make out with someone. Thank you for clearing that up for me so quickly, Robin!
WesLuck
Member # 56822
posted 07-27-2012 08:04 AM
I got cold-sores from an infected drinking glass my dad used (that was being used to drink fizzy drink for upset stomach etc.). Apart from the first outbreak at the time, I haven't had any more, so I figure I'm not likely to get another for a long time (my health is very good).