Hello, 

I was hoping to get some clarification from an expert concerning a question I have about the Herpes Simplex Virus.

As I understand it the virus can only be spread from around the physical area of the infection (the general area where outbreak occurs, whether or not there are sores present). If someone has genital herpes, located in their vagina for instance, there is no way for that infection to be passed from their mouth such as with oral sex. Is that correct? To clarify, does having an outbreak of sores in one location mean that you are contagious from completely separate parts of the body?

This is in regards to a woman who was infected vaginally a few months ago, had her initial outbreak in that location, and no outbreaks since or elsewhere on her body. I understand if she had a separate infection of HSV-1 orally then there is always a slight possibility of spreading that through oral sex, but in this case where she has had no oral outbreaks orally, and no known history of HSV-1.

I'm really surprised that in all my searching this isn't called out plainly on pretty much any site, they often say things like "HSV is contracted from outbreak sores, or shedding through the skin when there is no outbreak" and while the first part specifies local contact with the area of the infection the second part is always vague, and seems worded in a way to indicate that the shedding can occur from any location. 

Thanks.