Some question regarding HSV-1 (Oral)

[Penumbra]

Hello everyone,

Being new to this, I've been wondering and worried about a few things.  I was hoping you guys could give me a few headsup on different topic:

1. I've been extremely worried about passing HSV-1 even when not during an outbreak since we can be shedding even without any symptoms.  Every time I kiss my girlfriend somewhere, I've been worried about exposing her to the risk of being contaminated on the region i'm kissing her.  Do I have reason to be concerned? I know that mouth and genitals are the most vulnerable area... but every body part can be infected.
2. Sorry for being so graphic but again, in the scenario of no outbreak but always a risk of shedding... I suppose using saliva for lubrication is now something I should never do again, is that correct?  
3. I've been trying to find the exact % of chance for this, but couldnt find anything: what are the chance of me transmitting the virus to my girlfriend if I perform oral sex on her with a dental dam - when no outbreak is present.

 

 

Thanks a lot guys

 

 

[VVK]

If you don't have an active outbreak (that includes prodromes), your chances of passing it are somewhere between 0 and 1%. I've been in your state of mind before and 8 years later I still haven't passed it to any of my partners, without using any protection... for 1. if the skin isn't mucosal and there are no open abrasions/cuts/wounds (on her skin or your lips), you don't need to be concerned; for 2. saliva is not a significant source of viral load so no, using it for lubrication is not an issue; for 3. you're not going to find an exact risk % but it's going to be very close to zero.

Do you know for sure that she is HSV -ive? How often do you get outbreaks? How well do you know your body and can you tell ahead of time when you're going to get an outbreak?