Can herpes get transmitted by oral sex?

Resolved question:

Dear doctor, while taking a tanning bath I got fever blisters in my mouth    . Now I need to know that whether or not I can give oral sex to my husband, though I still have blister. I have checked out few herpes picture on net and I fear it can lead to giving my husband genital herpes. 

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Community

Expert:  Dr. Cecelia J. Russ replied 4 Days.

Thank you for putting up your question with us. It is sad to know that such thing happened to you.  Two major things relate to heroes. Firstly, there are two kinds of virus HSV-1 and HSV-2.  HSV-1 is basically transmitted on contact with saliva of an infected person and HSV-2 is commonly sexually transmitted.  Genital herpes is one such most commonly found sexually transmitted disease.  Whereas HSV-1 is said to be usually the cause of fever blister that are present in the regions of the mouth and could be transmitted easily.  

It is very important to remember that sexual contacts when prone to any active disease could lead to troubles and should be avoided. Condoms are although useful in preventing these diseases but not all portions are covered up through condoms. Individuals with herpes could easily pass the diseases to other even at a time when the disease is in an inactive state.  The most common time of passing on herpes is the time when sores are present.  The skin although appears completely normal at times but the presence of herpes virus in the body could cause your partner to pick up the diseases. 

During sex it is hence always important that you follow all sorts of safety measures and avoid it when sores are present also make the use of condoms so as to make sure that the disease does not spreads.  Wish you quick recovery. Take care. 

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