Can you get oral HSV-1 if you have genital HSV-1?

Sexual health
1

Hey everyone,

My girlfriend currently has a cold sore cluster on her chin, and we have spent a lot of time together lately. This afternoon when we were together I started to feel a little itch on my chin which has persisted for about an hour, and has since gone away. We kissed hello and goodbye, though I am wondering if I have any cause for concern?

I have genital HSV-1, and was diagnosed in December, but was infected long before then though I had just not had an initial outbreak. I am wondering if it is possible to develop oral HSV-1 if you already have the herpes antibodies in your system from genital HSV-1?

 

2

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe if you've had type 1 for a while you can not get reinfected on another part of your body as you already have the antibodies to fight it off.

Think yourself lucky I wish mine was type 1 down there as type 1 is not at home in that region and seldom shows its face after the initial infection

3

If you're sure you've had Type 1 for longer than 4-6 months, you should have adequate antibodies and be protected from acquiring it in other parts as a result, although occasionally exceptions exist.

4

Yes it was confirmed in December by my doctor after my first and only outbreak. Haven't had any symptoms or anything since then.

So hopefully those antibodies will do the trick!

5

I went and bought some cold sore cream just as a precaution. Do you think it's a good idea to apply it to the area just in case?

The incubation period is 2-4 days I've read, and I only started feeling a slight itch this afternoon ( a couple of hours ago ) 

6

I'm not sure if the cream does any good down below the normal thing is to start a course of antiviral tablets such as aciclovir

7

The cream won't prevent infection, nor will it ward off an outbreak. It only helps to alleviate actual outbreaks. The oral meds won't prevent infection either, but can ward off an outbreak. However, most people wouldn't bother in the case of oral Type 1, unless they have a history of bad cold sores. Also, your tingling may well be nothing, but of course it wouldn't hurt to apply the cream.