sorry if this is a dumb ?

[bren740]

So i was recently diagnosed with hsv1. I have never had an outbreak so idk if its genital or oral? Maybe 15 years ago i got a blister on my lip from whati thought was sunburn when i was on vacation....is it possible for me to have had it all this time and not known? Im scared of getting into a relationship and not knowing whether i can pass this to someone else....and im sorry if this sounds ridiculous to some ppl going through worse...

[blistering love]

You could have gotten HSV genitally and orally at the same time- i did.Lots of people have one outbreak and not one for decades.So yes that 'sunburn' could be a cold sore.I thought the same thing at the time, as do most people.

[bren740]

Ive been reading otherr posts( which i should have done first) and have found a lot of helpful information!!

[bren740]

Do u think its less contagious in someone who hasnt had any type of outbreak in so long?

[blistering love]

Youre most contagious in the first year of infection.Viral shedding rates- Source Herpes opportunity.

HSV-2 genital 15-30%

HSV-1 genital 3-5%

HSV-1 oral 9-18%

HSV-2 oral 1%

https://herpesopportunity.com/

Using condoms, dental dams, and suppressive medication helps reduce the spread.

[bren740]

Thank u for your help!!:)

[WilsoInAus]

@bren740 if you have had little recollection of symptoms then there is little doubt that your infection is a childhood oral HSV-1 infection. You are just like 70-90% of the population depending on where you are!

There is no need for concern with relationships. Most likely your partners will have HSV-1 and you pose no additional risk. If you feel it is appropriate, and there is little reason not too, you can disclose you carry the cold sore virus, HSV-1 and this poses and infection risk to someone who doesn't carry the virus.

There is no need for suppressive medication for an oral HSV-1 infection.

[bren740]

@WilsoInAus Thank u for the info!! Makes me feel a lot better...