Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
You can get herpes from kissing, but only if it is the type one virus that creates cold sores - not the genital herpes type two virus that's spread through sexual contact. The reality is almost everyone has already been encountered with the herpes simplex type one virus at some stage in their life - and are still harboring it. The virus lies dormant in nerve endings - just waiting being re-activated when immunity weakens.
You can get herpes from kissing, but only if it is the type one virus that creates cold sores - not the genital herpes type two virus that's spread through sexual contact. The reality is most people have already been exposed to the herpes simplex type one virus at some stage in their life - and harboring it. The virus lies dormant in nerve endings - just waiting to be re-activated when immunity weakens.
Most individuals are initially have contracted the herpes simplex type one virus during childhood after using a towel or toothbrush or kissing someone having an active herpes cold sore. It's a tough virus to avoid since it could be shed regardless if a person does not have an obvious cold sore blister - so it will be not surprising that most people already harbor the herpes simplex type one virus. If you check for antibodies contrary to the virus, most of us have them even though they haven't had a recent cold sore.
Most everyone is initially contaminated with the herpes simplex type one virus during childhood after using a towel or toothbrush or kissing someone having an active herpes cold sore. It's a tough virus in order to avoid since it may be shed regardless if a person does not have an obvious cold sore blister - so it will be not surprising that a lot of people already harbor the herpes simplex type one virus. If you look for antibodies up against the virus, almost everyone has them even when they haven't were built with a recent cold sore.
Preventing the Spread of Herpes Cold Sores
Since the herpes simplex type one virus may be shed and before the blisters appear, to avoid the spread of the virus means not sharing utensils, towels, toothbrushes, or kissing anyone when you feel flu sore developing. A herpes cold sore is contagious for more than a week prior to the blister appears. During this time, a lot of people experience tingling or burning because the herpes cold sore is developing. During this time herpes is very contagious, so avoid kissing anyone prior to the cold sore completely clears. Once the blister heals, the herpes simplex type one virus is no longer contagious, and it's okay to kiss again.
Since the herpes simplex type one virus might be shed and before the blisters appear, to avoid the spread of the virus means not sharing utensils, towels, toothbrushes, or kissing anyone if you feel a cold sore coming on. A herpes cold sore is contagious for more than a week ahead of the blister appears. During this time, a lot of people experience tingling or burning because the herpes cold sore is developing. During this time the virus is very contagious, so avoid kissing anyone prior to the cold sore completely clears. Once the blister heals, the herpes simplex type one virus has stopped being contagious, and it's really okay to kiss again.
Even if you do kiss someone during the time you have a cool sore, the thing of your affections might not exactly get it. This is because most of the people's natural defenses do a good job of fighting it well. Conditions that boost the risk of a herpes cold sore include having another condition, taking steroid medication, pregnancy, being fatigued or under stress, malnourished, or getting a sunburn.
Can You Get Herpes from Kissing: The Bottom Line?
The type one virus is quite contagious, and you could get herpes from kissing someone who has a herpes cold sore, or who is developing one. On the other hand, many people already have the herpes simplex virus living in their nerve endings - just waiting to become activated if their immunity weakens. The best way to stop cold sores would be to eat a healthy diet, get plenty of rest, , nor get a sunburn.
References:
Merck Manual. Eighteenth edition. 2006.
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