So, discussing your diagnosis with your partners is important.
Is HSV-1 Nothing to Worry About?
Cold sores typically aren’t anything to worry about and can be easily treated.
Tetra Images / Getty
But that doesn’t meanHSV-1is harmless.
They can be painful, but typically crust over and begin to heal within four to six days.
But HSV-1 never goes away.
If you develop another cold sore, the virus can spread more easily.
This can occur through saliva and direct contact.
Up to 80% of people ages 14 to 49 are infected with HSV-1 in the United States.
Some people with HSV-1 infection never develop symptoms, while others develop cold sores periodically.
And it’s not just the risk of spreading a cold sore that you should be worried about.
Herpes canpromote HIV infectionby attracting the immune cells the HIV virus targets and infects.
Think about educating them, rather than engaging in blame.
It’s unlikely that they were trying to intentionally transmit an STI.
Fortunately, this risk can be greatly reduced by using a condom ordental damduring oral sex.
Your provider can prescribe antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.
These prevent outbreaks of genital herpes, suppressing the virus to prevent passing the virus on during sexual intercourse.
Self-care during an oral herpes outbreak can help you shorten the duration of the blisters.
First, keep the cold sores clean and dry.
Summary
HSV-1 is a very common condition.
It’s the virus that usually causes cold sores and is highly contagious.
This will allow you to take steps to protect and support each other.
Cedars Sinai.Herpes simplex virus (HSV) mouth infection.
National Institutes of Health.2023-2028 Strategic plan for herpes simplex virus research.
Planned Parenthood.Oral & Genital Herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital herpes.
2017 Aug;17(12):1303-1316. doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(17)30405-X
Planned Parenthood.Living with herpes.
James SH, Sheffield JS, Kimberlin DW.Mother-to-Child Transmission of Herpes Simplex Virus.J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc.
2014;3 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S19-S23.
doi:10.1093/jpids/piu050
MIT Medical.FAQ: Herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Sexually transmitted infection treatment guidelines.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital Herpes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Cold sore: Tips for managing.
