I have had HSV-I since I was a baby (a lady in a grocery store came up to me and kissed me and gave it to me before my mom could stop her). I know that you can spread it through kissing when you have a sore- but can you spread it when you don't have one? And if so, how's a girl supposed to have any fun (mind you I am 21, a senior in college, and have yet to kiss anyone)? Thanks!!

I wouldn't worry about it. As long as you don't see any sign of it, have fun. I read somewhere 50% of young adults get HSV1 as they grow up. So you might end up meeting someone with HSV2 anyway. I have never had a girl tell me they get cold sores before kissing, I am sure at least one I have kissed gets them. Society accepts cold sores more easily anyway than it occuring elsewhere like myself.

But before you perform oral sex on anyone (thats if you want to), I would tell that person first.

GO HAVE FUN!! haha

MrRoper is right, Ill. It is *possible* to pass it on when you're not having an OB but far less likely. And in terms of mouth-to-mouth kissing, a majority of us has this anyway, usually caught in early childhood. If you feel burning, tingling, itching or swelling around your mouth, you might be on the verge of an OB and you should consider postponing the kiss until the next date. Otherwise, have fun! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

TheOneInFour