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Top three reasons to consider testing yourself for an STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
A simple kiss looks and feels quite harmless. But is it really? Can you get herpes from a kiss? Very likely. Having herpes and kissing may transmit the virus to another person. Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that can spread through skin-to-skin contact, which includes kissing. When a person comes in skin-to-skin or saliva contact with a person who has the virus, you may likely contract the virus. So, can you get herpes from kissing? There are very high chances of getting herpes from kissing somebody who is already infected with herpes.
Top three reasons to consider testing yourself for an STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
Can you get herpes from kissing? Yes, but how do you know if the person has herpes? How do you know if you have HSV? This is a very tricky question. Herpes is very misleading as a person who carries the virus may not have any outbreaks or symptoms at all. So, can you get herpes from kissing a person without symptoms? Note that while an infected person may not show symptoms or sores on the skin, everyone with herpes tends to go through periods of asymptomatic shedding. During such periods, they can spread the virus to somebody who comes in contact with the saliva while kissing. So, the answer to the question ‘can you get herpes from kissing’ is yes.
Herpes has two types – oral herpes (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2). HSV-1 is usually spread through mouth-to-mouth action where saliva is involved, like kissing. It can also spread when you come in contact with the sores and blisters that appear on some people with herpes during an outbreak. So the answer to can I get herpes from kissing is affirmative.
If you are wondering, ‘can you get herpes from kissing?’ Yes. Oral herpes is usually spread by mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-genital contact. When a person is infected with the virus, cold sores or rashes may appear in and around the mouth area.
Can you get herpes from kissing, and how will you know you have contracted the virus? As a very misleading STD, like many other STDs, you may not even know you have the virus in you. While it can be very scary to learn you have herpes, it is a fairly common STD that can be managed effectively with proper treatment. If you come to learn that your partner or the person you have kissed has herpes, you may look for symptoms. But since oral herpes may not cause any outbreak or symptoms in some people, the only sure way to find out is to get a test. However, if outbreaks do occur, you may find cold sores or blisters in and around your mouth and genitals if you have oral herpes or genital herpes, respectively. You may also experience a tingling or burning sensation or itching in the areas before blisters appear. Usually, the first outbreak is the most severe compared to recurring outbreaks.
HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can be transmitted through various forms of sex, including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Can you get oral herpes from kissing someone with genital herpes? The chances are likely that you might even get genital herpes from kissing. However, contracting genital herpes from kissing is fairly rare as it is most usually caused by HSV-2 kissing. Genital herpes spreads through skin-to-skin contact during sex. People who do not use any type of protection while having sex are at a much higher risk of contracting genital herpes than people who do.
Can you get herpes from kissing somebody when there are no visible blisters or symptoms? If you are not already aware, many people with herpes usually have no symptoms. That is why many people live normal lives and may spread the virus to others unwittingly through kissing. If you or your partner is positive, make sure you get timely treatment to avoid possible health complications in the future.
Once you test positive for herpes, it cannot be reversed. But that is not the end of a happy sexual life for you. Did you know that about 90 percent of American adults come in contact with HSV-1 by the time they reach the age of 50? And not everyone contracts HSV-1 through sexual contact. Many people are exposed to the virus at young ages through kisses from families or relatives who carry the virus. So, can you get herpes from kissing? Yes, you might, especially when there are sores and blisters on the skin of the person who has herpes.
You might wonder, ‘can you get herpes from kissing if the person is asymptomatic?’ While many people with herpes may show no symptoms, kissing someone with herpes poses a risk of contracting the virus. So, can you get herpes from kissing a person with an active outbreak? Yes, the chance of getting herpes from kissing increases significantly. Herpes is most contagious when a person has an active outbreak. An outbreak may cause blisters and cold sores on the skin, and when a person comes in contact with somebody with sores and blisters during any forms of sex and kiss, you might get infected with herpes. It may be quite tempting to kiss somebody to show your affection. But if you don’t want to kiss herpes, refrain from kissing or having sex with a person who has herpes until the right treatment is done.
Coming in contact with herpes saliva carries a high risk of getting oral herpes (HSV-1). Can you get herpes from kissing if it is only a peck on the cheek? Or can you get herpes from kissing the genitals of a person with HSV? Remember that herpes does not discriminate between various types of kisses. Whether it is just a peck or a french kiss, you may contract herpes. The risk is higher when there are active herpes rashes or blisters on the skin of the infected person. Also, note that kissing isn’t confined to the mouth and face alone. You can contract oral herpes when your mouth comes in contact with the genitals of a person infected with HSV. You may even get genital herpes from kissing, but the chances are less likely for someone to contract HSV-2 from kissing.
Keep in mind that oral herpes can be transmitted via saliva. So, when you kiss or come in contact with an object with the saliva of a herpes-positive person, such as a lip balm, you may get herpes. However, HSV cannot survive long outside the body, so the possibility of getting herpes from an inanimate object is very low. But that does not mean you should let your guard down and take the risk. Always try to use your own stuff and opt for an STD test if you suspect that you may have contracted HSV.
Don’t keep wondering, ‘can you get herpes from kissing’ if you just learned that the person you kissed has herpes. While you may or may not have contracted the disease, timely testing and treatment are always better than living with the anxiety of whether or not can you get herpes from kissing. So, can you get herpes by kissing a person who carries the virus? Yes, you might. But there are various barrier methods to prevent the transmission of both HSV-1 and HSV-2, such as condoms, dental barriers, and refraining from kissing during outbreaks.
Top three reasons to consider testing yoursef for and STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
Top three reasons to consider testing yoursef for and STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
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