She told me she did not have many sexual partners, was generally monogamous, and did not present with any obvious lesions/sores/illnesses. She did note (after the fact) that she did occasionally get cold sores on her mouth and took medication when that happened, though confirmed she was not having an outbreak at the time of our encounter.

My question is: (1) what would your estimate be for oral-to-genital HSV1 transmission from an asymptomatic to a negative partner, (2) how would you advise monitoring/testing myself in the coming time, and (3) if I see no symptoms, what would be a prudent amount of time to abstain from sex out of caution?

Thanks!

We have no data on oral to-genital HSV 1 transmission risk at all.  I suggest you observe your penis for the next ten days or so.  If you notice any sores at all, have them swab tested using a PCR test.  If you see nothing in that time period, I think an infection is unlikely.  Do you know for a fact that you don't already have HSV 1?

Terri

Without knowing specific transmission statistics, would you feel comfortable identifying this is a low, mid, high, or very high risk incident? Trying to orient my mind to the appropriate degree of worry in the near future.

Terri

If I could ask one final thing, would you recommend abstaining while I monitor for symptoms over the next 10 days, I can I continue to see people in the absence of symptoms during that time?

Thanks again! 

Terri