Question Hello.
I have a relatively simple question. Is there such a thing as "cold sores" that are NOT related to Herpes SImplex 1, that still show up at times of stress, over-exposure to the sun, etc? And if so, are they contagious?
If I`ve been sexually active with a woman for a year, who is now showing a sore on her lip but I`ve never seen the sore before (and I know I didn`t have it before her), is there a decent chance that I may not have gotten it? She maintains that it`s a simple, non-contagious, non-herpes cold sore; I say it`s herpes simplex one, based on the sore`s appearance, location, and times of activity.
Answer Hello Jon,
You are 110% correct. A cold sore is a cold sore and it can be passed on through kissing and oral sex. You can give and recieve herpes through oral sex and intercouse. Basically when the blister opens and the clear liquid comes out, it is active and contagious. It will remain active until the blister scabs and falls off and new skin grows in the affected area. Please take care when she has an open sore, she could pass it on to you. Don't be fooled into thinking that you can not get genital herpes through a sore on the mouth.
