[Question #10241] HSV1 Transmission Questions
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24 months ago
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Hello, I hope all is well.
Recently I met someone who I kissed multiple times. She told me after that she has HSV1. What is the likelyhood of me getting HSV1 from kissing? She said she’s had it since birth if that makes any difference.
I’m considering pursuing something, but I wish I was told about the HSV1 first. With that being said, how transmittable is HSV1 from mouth to mouth? And how likely would it be to get HSV1 from oral sex?
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24 months ago
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If I decide to move on from this encounter, would I be in the wrong for not getting tested for HSV1? We only kissed a few times. Am I obligated to tell anyone I kiss that I have kissed someone with HSV1?
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24 months ago
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Also, sorry… would the chances of transmission reduce if she took daily antivirals? If so, what are the percentages or likelyhood of transmission?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
24 months ago
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About half the population between 14-29 in the US is infected with HSV 1. Most is oral but some is genital.
Yes, the risk is lower of transmission if someone is on suppression. And do you actually know that her infection is oral?
I don't think that this encounter requires that you get an antibody test, but at some point, you might want to consider that, just so you can know if you yourself are actually infected with HSV 1. About 70% of those infected with HSV 1 don't know it.
We don't have any data on the transmission of HSV 1 by kissing, sorry!
Terri
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24 months ago
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She stated that she gets cold sores maybe once or twice a year. So there is no reason for me to get tested for this encounter unless I have symptoms? Am I required to tell any future person that I was potentially exposed?
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24 months ago
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I should mention that I tested negative for HSV1 and 2 a month ago.
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24 months ago
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Last one, I forgot to add that she said the cold sores happen to her on her mouth
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
24 months ago
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I would say that unless you get some oral symptoms, given that you tested negative for both recently, you don't need to test or disclose that you kissed someone with HSV 1.
Terri
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