Can you be exposed to a cold sore and not get it?

Cold sores are most contagious when you have oozing blisters because the virus easily spreads through contact with infected body fluids. But you can spread the virus even if you don’t have blisters. Many people who are infected with the virus that causes cold sores never develop signs and symptoms.

Will I get a cold sore if my boyfriend has one?

Cold sores are contagious during all stages of the development and healing process, meaning you shouldn’t kiss anyone, share eating utensils, have oral sex or engage in any other oral contact throughout the entire process of a cold sore developing and healing.

Can you kiss someone with a cold sore and not get one?

Truth: You can get a cold sore by kissing. Even if you don’t see the sores, the virus can still be contagious. But you should be especially cautious about kissing someone who has active blisters, because that’s when the virus spreads most easily.

How can I prevent getting cold sores from my partner?

How to Avoid Spreading Cold Sores

1. Don’t pucker up. You can spread cold sores simply by getting up close and personal with your loved ones.
2. Don’t share. If you put it in your mouth, don’t share it.
3. Don’t touch.
4. Don’t engage in oral sex.
5. Use hot water.
6. Avoid triggers.
7. Consider cold sore treatment.

Is HSV 1 an STD?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).

Should you be embarrassed about getting a cold sore?

If you experience a cold sore, there is a good chance your partner also has the virus that can cause an outbreak as well. With statistics that are so high, you don’t need to be embarrassed about getting a cold sore. It’s understandable to try and hide or avoid the unsightly blister that shows up.

Can cold sores be sexually transmitted?

Even if you’re on the mend, cold sores are highly contagious and may do more than just transmit the infection to your partner. It may increase your risk of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Cold sores are usually caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the cousin of HSV-2, which is primarily associated with genital herpes.

Can you get a cold sore from kissing?

Cold sores can be contracted through kissing very easily. However, they can also be caught by sharing utensils or drinks. You can even contract a cold sore by sharing towels. Anything that touches your sore that your partner handles increases the risk of spreading the virus.

Can herpes be caused by cold sores?

HSV2, a related but different virus, causes most genital herpes cases. You seem to be worried that having sex with someone with cold sores will give you genital herpes.