How Is Herpes 2 Transmitted?

Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014

Question: Hello, i have type 2 oral herpes ( the kind that is usually genital im told) my girlfriend is aware if this she does not have herpes... We have neen told by a doctor that the chances of me passing hsv type 2 to her by kissing her when i am not in an outbreak is almost zero that i am not likely to pass it to her by kissing... My question is, is it very likely that she could get gential herpes from me if i perform oral sex on her when i am NOT in an oral outbreak of hsv type2? And do you agree that it is not likely for me to pass oral hsv type 2 by kissing? Thank you

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Watch for visual symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Greetings
welcome to Health care Magic

Hi,

Thanks for writing to us.

Please note that there are 2 types of Herpes virus 1 and 2. Earlier it was believed that virus type one causes Herpes infection above waist whereas Herpes 2 causes infection below waist that is genital infection. But now the recent information is Herpes virus can cause lesions in any mucus membrane of the body be it genitalia or oral cavity.

Now moving to your question, also note that genital herpes cannot be cured. Moreover, genital herpes can be transmitted by viral shedding prior to and following the visual signs of symptoms like sores, ulcer formation, crust etc..

So these are things to be taken care off to ensure there is no spread of infection:
1. Avoid contact prior and following visual symptoms of the lesion. This is when the viral shedding is maximum.
2. Watch out for presence of lesions whether it's present in oral cavity or genitalia etc.. If you have a lesion try not to have contact with your girl friend.
3. In case lesions are absent it would be ideal still to use condoms while performing oral seX
4. If there are no lesions expected or history of lesions in the recent past in the oral cavity prior, kissing would be fine
5. Anti viral drugs can be given to your partner in case if you suspect transmission. If vaccines are available you may make use of it.

Safe seX is always preferred.

Do get back to me if you need any additional details. I would be happy to assist you.

Take care.

Best regards,
Dr. T. Shobha Deepak
MBBS, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Shobha Deepak (13 hours later)

So basically it is possible for me to spread herpes to my girlfriend if i perform oral sex on her even if there are no legions present. Correct? Thanks

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Less likely to transmit if no active lesion

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings

In the absence of active lesion chances of spreading of Herpes is very much reduced. If you are infected , you giving her oral would be okay but she giving you oral it is relatively more likely to transmit infection.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar