Herpes Simplex Virus 1 - important facts
Should I tell my partner that I have an HSV 1? Herpes viruses are extremely infectious, and it is not just the risk of spreading a cold sore that you should be worried about. If you have an HSV-1 infection, you can transmit your partner genital herpes through oral sex. Does everyone have HSV 1? The herpes simplex virus is incredibly common in the USA and worldwide. As many as 1 in 2 American adults have oral herpes, which is mainly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). What does it mean to be HSV-1 positive? A positive HSV-1 IgG antibody test means antibodies are present in the blood, which means you have had an infection in the past even if you have not noticed any symptoms. The type of antibody detected specifies the type of HSV infection. How likely is it to spread HSV 1 via genitals? HSV-1 can be transmitted from oral or skin surfaces that usually appear normal and when there are no clear symptoms present. However, the great risk of transmission is when there...