Cold sores and genital herpes. - Sexually Transmitted Diseases Message Board

Centralll · 06-13-2007, 10:26 AM

I am confused about the link between oral cold sores and genital herpes, and as of yet I have not been able to wrangle a straight answer out of anybody. I suffer from oral cold sores during winter months, usually one cold sore per month which shows up right before my period. It's always on the same spot on my bottom lip, and sometimes if I feel it coming early enough I can suppress it with Abreva.
Now, my question:
Does this mean I have herpes? Am I contagious? Should I refrain from performing oral sex altogether, or just when I have a cold sore on my lip?
I was under the impression that cold sores were fairly common and not a huge deal, but I have gotten mixed answers from everyone.

Ornament · 06-14-2007, 08:56 AM

Yes, cold sores are one of the strains of the herpes virus.There are many strains....I think you need to read some info. regarding oral herpes, especially on the "Herpes board". alot of your answers can be found there. Sorry, for being the bearer of bad news....Read around - information and acceptance is the key to living with any strain of the herpes virus. It is manageable!
Take Care, -Ornament

rhiannon777 · 06-15-2007, 08:27 PM

Pretty much every adult has been exposed to oral herpes virus, so there is really no need to worry about transmitting it to someone through kissing. However, it is possible (though rare) that you could give someone genital herpes by performing oral sex on them. You should avoid performing oral sex when you have or feel you are getting a cold sore. Type I and II herpes are the same virus, distinguished only by the areas in which they appear on your body.