Can You Get Herpes from Kissing? Demystifying Common Health Myths
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Herpes is a viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a common misconception that herpes is solely a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or that oral contact cannot spread the virus. If you’ve ever wondered if it is possible to get herpes through something as simple as a friendly kiss, this article will elaborate on the possibility.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into all aspects of herpes, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, management, complications, and methods to keep safe . By the end of this article, you will be well-informed on the facts surrounding herpes transmission and be able to dispel some common myths about this common, yet often misunderstood, viral infection. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
Your doctor might suggest an over-the-counter topical pain killer, that you may apply straight to the sore if you’re in excruciating agony.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
Did you know?
Herpes is a viral infection caused by two strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV). They are HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Are you wondering how to quickly heal herpes blisters? To my knowledge, ointments and creams may reduce healing time and alleviate discomfort. When you apply them as soon as you sense a pain starting, they work best. Talk to your doctor for the best medicine and dosage for you.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Herpes is quite rampant. It’s transmitted in some not-so-obvious ways as well.
In my experience, when they first appear, herpes blisters come around your lips and mouth. Usually, a herpes blister on one lip only affects one side of the mouth. Additionally, it may appear on your chin, nose, and cheekbones. The blisters frequently begin to flow after two to three days and eventually turn into a crust. Healing usually takes place in a week or two.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
There’s a link between oral herpes and kissing. This is further described below.
Yes, and this is usually caused by HSV-1 present in the infected person’s saliva. When an infected person has sores, the spread is rampant, not just skin to skin contact but sharing items e.g., cutlery or lip balm can cause spread as well.
Believe it or not, the kind of kiss doesn’t really matter. Be it a quick peck or a long kiss, as long as there’s an exchange of saliva or skin contact with an infected person, the risk exists.
When active infection occurs, the virus rears its head causing visible blisters or sores. Hence, when someone has a cold sore around the mouth or a genital sore they should avoid close contact with others to stop the virus spread.
Direct contact is responsible for most transmissions. Nevertheless, you can also catch this virus from shared objects. Objects touched by an infected person’s saliva such as toothbrushes, cups, or lip balm. We should avoid sharing these, especially if the co-user has oral herpes. Another point to keep in mind is that not everyone who is infected has visible signs of infection.
Below we will discuss how to reduce the risk of getting herpes virus infection.
How to lower the risk of catching the herpes from a kiss is described below.
Being upfront about your herpes status is vital if we want to stop the spread. Open talks lets both sides play it safe and make knowledgeable decisions about their intimate actions.
Knowing what herpes looks like is crucial. This way, you can stay safe and keep others safe too. Now, let’s discuss what to look out for in oral and genital herpes.
Mostly cold sores or blisters near the mouth and lips. A first-time infection might bring flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, or a headache. Follow-up infections might be less unbearable. Before sores manifest, itching, tingling, or burning sensation might show up.
Genital herpes could lead to sores or blisters in or around the private parts or anus. Just like with oral herpes, flu-like symptoms, fever, and swollen lymph nodes could come with the first time infection. Some folks might also have a tingling feeling, or shooting pain in their legs, hips, or buttocks before sores appear.
Following the detection of signs, the next step is to meet with a doctor. This section will discuss about how doctors find out if you have herpes, and how they manage the infection.
Healthcare providers can tell if you have herpes from a physical examination or specific tests which are as follows:
Sadly, herpes cannot be cured. The virus will stay with you forever. A lot of people observe lesser and milder infections over time. They can manage symptoms and cut down transmission risk via medical options.
Doctors mostly use antiviral medications like acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. They cut down the harshness and rate of herpes infection. Over-the-counter pain killers and topical creams, may also help manage herpes symptoms.
Though herpes can be kept at bay, it can raise other health risks. These are described below.
Getting HSV-2 can increase your chances of getting other STIs, including HIV. The WHO shows that HSV-2 increases your HIV risk threshold. For people living with HIV, 60 to 90 % of them also have HSV-2.
Carrying the herpes virus can be heavy mentally and emotionally. People often feel ashamed, embarrassed, or lonely because of the infection. Counseling may be helpful in living a fulfilling life inspite of the infection.
Knowing all about herpes regarding how it spreads, symptoms, and management is very important. It busts myths and keeps both you and others safe. Herpes spreads by not only skin-to-skin contact with the sore or blisters but also via contact with items contaminated with the infected saliva. Oral herpes spreads usually by kissing which can be of any kind and genital herpes spreads by sexual contact. On noticing signs of herpes, it is advised to immediately consult a doctor for management and counseling as there is no cure. This all-round guide will be a useful tool that gives a clear picture of herpes.
Indeed, herpes can travel via saliva, especially if the infected person is having sores or shedding the virus without visible signs.
While the risk is high when the person has visible sores, you can still catch it from someone no matter how healthy they look. The virus can shed and spread even without visible clues.
Fully avoiding the virus from a partner is not foolproof. However, taking steps like staying clear during outbreaks and safer sexual practices with barrier protection may shrink the risk of catching the bug. Communication and transparency between partners is very important.
Yes, the lifelong infection can be caught even after a one-time encounter with someone suffering from herpes, irrespective of whether they have an active outbreak or not because some people may not have signs but are still infective.
Painkiller pills that don’t need a prescription and topical creams or gels with anesthetic or anti-inflammatory action may offer some relief. But always discuss these options with a healthcare provider to find the most effective management options for you.
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