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can you get genital herpes from a cold sore
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STDs & Related Infections
Question #26225
45 days ago
91

can you get genital herpes from a cold sore - #26225

Nisha

I am freaking out right now and really need some honest advice. A few weeks back, my partner had a cold sore and I was worried, like, can you get genital herpes from a cold sore? We didn’t think much of it at the time, but now I've got some weird symptoms down there, and I can't shake this thought. I mean, there's been itching and a couple of small bumps, but they don't really look like what I've seen online. I didn’t know if people can seriously get genital herpes from a cold sore, but the more I read, the more worried I get!! I can't figure out if these symptoms even match up. Is there any chance I could get genital herpes from a cold sore if we were intimate? My partner swears they had no symptoms when we were together, but I saw some articles saying that the virus could still be spread even without obvious sores. My doctor’s appointment isn’t for another week and it's driving me nuts. I just wanna know if I should be more worried than I am or if there's a slim chance I’m overthinking this? Any help would be really appreciated!

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Doctors' responses

Yes, it’s possible to contract genital herpes from a cold sore. Cold sores are usually caused by HSV-1, the herpes simplex virus type 1. While cold sores are typically oral, HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact. So, engaging in oral sex while a cold sore is present, or even when it’s healing or about to appear, can potentially spread the virus to the genital area, leading to genital herpes. Even if your partner wasn’t showing symptoms, the virus can sometimes be spread asymptomatically — meaning it’s transmitted even when there are no visible sores, which adds a level of risk. The symptoms you’re describing, such as itching and small bumps, could align with genital herpes, although herpes sores typically appear as painful blisters. It’s wise not to jump to conclusions though, as other conditions and infections can cause similar symptoms. A doctor’s visit would be ideal for a proper diagnosis. They can perform a physical examination and might take a swab of any lesions to test for herpes, or a blood test might be done if you’re having an outbreak. In the meantime, avoid intimate contact to reduce the risk of spreading any potential infection to your partner or anyone else. It’s natural to feel anxious while waiting for a medical evaluation, but focusing on facts and staying informed can be empowering. Once diagnosed, should it be herpes, there are antiviral medications available that can help manage outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission. For now, monitor the situation closely, and make sure to follow up with your doctor as scheduled for a professional assessment and peace of mind.

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