Oral herpes, commonly known as cold sores or fever blisters, is a widespread viral infection. It is possible to transmit oral herpes through kissing.
What is Oral Herpes?
Oral herpes is an infection typically caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), though herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) can also be responsible. This virus leads to the formation of small, fluid-filled blisters, often appearing on or around the lips. These blisters can also emerge inside the mouth, on the nose, chin, or cheek.
Once a person contracts the herpes simplex virus, it remains in their body for life, often lying dormant in nerve cells. While some individuals may never experience symptoms, others have periodic outbreaks. Approximately 50% to 80% of U.S. adults have oral herpes, with many contracting it during childhood.
How Oral Herpes Spreads
Oral herpes primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, active cold sores, or the skin around the mouth. Kissing is a very common transmission route for HSV-1, and transmission can occur even from a peck on the cheek. The virus is highly contagious, especially when blisters are present and fluid is oozing.
Transmission is most likely during an active outbreak when visible sores are present. However, oral herpes can also spread when no sores are visible, a phenomenon called asymptomatic shedding. This means the virus can reactivate and be present on the skin without causing any noticeable symptoms, making prevention challenging. Less common routes of transmission include sharing personal items that have come into contact with infected saliva, such as utensils, lip balm, or razors.
Reducing Transmission Risk
To minimize the risk of transmitting or contracting oral herpes, it is important to avoid direct skin-to-skin contact, including kissing, during an active outbreak. This avoidance should continue until sores are completely healed and the skin appears normal again. Individuals should also refrain from sharing personal items like eating utensils, drinking glasses, lip balm, or toothbrushes. Maintaining good hand hygiene, particularly after touching any suspected or active sores, is also beneficial to prevent accidental spread of the virus to other body parts or individuals. Understanding transmission routes and practicing these precautions can significantly reduce risk, despite the challenges posed by asymptomatic shedding.