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Suggest Treatment For Recurrent HSV-1 Cold Sore On Lip
Question: I have a question today, i get the occasional hsv-1 cold sore on my lip from time to time usually 1-5 outbreaks per year. It varies year to year. I know this virus can shed even without a blister present or any other symptoms. My question is can i safely perfom oral sex on my girlfriend when i have NO BLISTER or symptoms present, or because of the asymptomatic shedding of the virus is it to risky and foolish to do?
Brief Answer:
Chances of transferring infection to your partner
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
I can understand your concern.
All patients with herpes simplex virus infections are potentially contagious whether or not lesions are visible. Transmission occurs in the absence of lesions because of asymptomatic shedding. So there are chances of your transferring the infection to your sexual partner if you go for oral sex. Therefore I would suggest you to restrain from any form of unprotected sexual activity.
I hope to have answered your query.
I would be happy to clarify any further doubts.
Regards
Dr Asmeet
Chances of transferring infection to your partner
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
I can understand your concern.
All patients with herpes simplex virus infections are potentially contagious whether or not lesions are visible. Transmission occurs in the absence of lesions because of asymptomatic shedding. So there are chances of your transferring the infection to your sexual partner if you go for oral sex. Therefore I would suggest you to restrain from any form of unprotected sexual activity.
I hope to have answered your query.
I would be happy to clarify any further doubts.
Regards
Dr Asmeet
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
So it would be your recommendation to completely avoid oral sex?
Brief Answer:
Yes avoid oral sex completely
Detailed Answer:
Yes it is recommended to avoid oral sex as we don't know when you are shedding the virus.
Yes avoid oral sex completely
Detailed Answer:
Yes it is recommended to avoid oral sex as we don't know when you are shedding the virus.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
I had consulted with a dermatologist before and i was wanting a second opinion here, the first one said that the risk is so minimimal that i could do oral sex if i wanted. So now i dont know what to do.
Brief Answer:
Asymptomatic shedding can transmit the disease
Detailed Answer:
According to the figures asymptomatic viral shedding is responsible for at least 70 percent of viral transmission. So oral sex can transmit the disease but nobody can comment when you'll be having shedding or not. If you happen to have sex while you are not shedding then it won't be transmitted, otherwise it will.
Asymptomatic shedding can transmit the disease
Detailed Answer:
According to the figures asymptomatic viral shedding is responsible for at least 70 percent of viral transmission. So oral sex can transmit the disease but nobody can comment when you'll be having shedding or not. If you happen to have sex while you are not shedding then it won't be transmitted, otherwise it will.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
"Yes, there is a very minimal chance of spreading herpes even without any sores or blisters.
It really can't be predicted, but without blister/ sore the chances are extremely miniscule. There is always a minimal risk involved for viral shedding to occur in asymptomatic cases too!
But, as you have mentioned this is very low when active blisters are not present.
So, in my opinion, you can safely perform the act during asymptomatic phase. viral shedding decreases with time ie the amount of shedding that one can have in recurrent episodes is far too less as compared to initial or primary episode. The amount shed during asymptomatic phase is negligible. So theoretically, chances of transmitting the infection are there but practically we see less transmission during asymptomatic phase. Also almost a majority of people are already immune to HSV infection. Chances of transmission are there while lip to lip kissing too! So ideally with active sore,one should not kiss or perform oral sex. However, during asymptomatic phase it should not be a problem." That was my first opinion from another dermatologist from another source. Im not sure what i should do anymore.
It really can't be predicted, but without blister/ sore the chances are extremely miniscule. There is always a minimal risk involved for viral shedding to occur in asymptomatic cases too!
But, as you have mentioned this is very low when active blisters are not present.
So, in my opinion, you can safely perform the act during asymptomatic phase. viral shedding decreases with time ie the amount of shedding that one can have in recurrent episodes is far too less as compared to initial or primary episode. The amount shed during asymptomatic phase is negligible. So theoretically, chances of transmitting the infection are there but practically we see less transmission during asymptomatic phase. Also almost a majority of people are already immune to HSV infection. Chances of transmission are there while lip to lip kissing too! So ideally with active sore,one should not kiss or perform oral sex. However, during asymptomatic phase it should not be a problem." That was my first opinion from another dermatologist from another source. Im not sure what i should do anymore.
Brief Answer:
50 percent population infected with HSV 1 in childhood only
Detailed Answer:
It is also seen that half of the world's population had already developed antibodies to HSV1 in childhood. So we can assume that there are 50 percent chance of your partner already infected with herpes virus. In that case you can easily go for oral sex as both of you are infected.
You can get this checked by going for IgG for HSV 1 for your partner.
50 percent population infected with HSV 1 in childhood only
Detailed Answer:
It is also seen that half of the world's population had already developed antibodies to HSV1 in childhood. So we can assume that there are 50 percent chance of your partner already infected with herpes virus. In that case you can easily go for oral sex as both of you are infected.
You can get this checked by going for IgG for HSV 1 for your partner.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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