should i give oral sex if i have the cold sore virus?

Question

i have had cold sores before so i have the herpes simplex virus I. i definitely know that it is for sure contagious to give oral sex if i currently have one or about to have one or the fluids got onto someone else's genitals. however i was wondering if i could still give my bf herpes if i'm not actively having cold sores? if so should i just not give oral sex anymore?

thank you for all your help... i'm really concerned because i don't want my bf to get it because of me... thank you

Answer 1

As far as I know you are only contagious whilst the lesion is active. The skin cells that contain the virus are shed through friction. If you have no active lesion then you cannot pass on the virus, but why not ask a doctor? Thats possibly the best thing to do! It's really good of you to be concerned though, well done!

Answer 2

It should be okay if you don't have a blister present.

Cold sores are really contagious and remain that way until blisters scab over, and sometimes even after that. If you have a cold sore, it's very easy to infect another person with HSV-1. The virus spreads through direct contact — through skin contact or contact with oral or genital secretions (like through kissing).

In addition, if you have a cold sore on the mouth, the herpes simplex virus-1 can be transmitted during oral sex and cause herpes in the genital area.

Herpes simplex virus-1 also can spread if a person touches the cold sore and then touches a mucous membrane. Mucous membranes are the moist, protective linings made of tissue that are found in certain areas of your body like your nose, eyes, and mouth. So it's best to not mess with a cold sore — don't pick, pinch, or squeeze it.

Actually, it's a good idea to not even touch active cold sores. If you do touch an active cold sore, don't touch other parts of your body. Be especially careful about touching your eyes — if it gets into the eyes, HSV-1 can cause a lot of damage. Wash your hands as soon as possible. In fact, if you have a cold sore or you're around someone with a cold sore, try to wash your hands frequently.