Question:
I was tested negative for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies. I don't want to get either type of herpes. They say 50-80% of adults in the USA have HSV-1. How concerned should I be about getting HSV-1? I know people say cold sores are not a big deal, but I still would rather avoid them if possible. I mean should I not kiss anyone unless they have been tested negative first? How much risk do I take kissing someone that doesn't currently have a cold sore? Or should I not let the risk of HSV-1 effect me? Thanks in advance!

Answer:
Hsv1 is much easier spead then hsv2 simply cause it tends to shed the virus in your saliva even when symptoms aren't even present. There is no sure way I can't tell you 100% your gonna get it but if there is virus in the saliva and its very possible cause it lives in the mouth you would contract it and have a outbreak instantly over time the outbreaks would become milder and milder as your body develops antibodys alot of people can get hsv as children and carry it in thair mouths then they give oral sex and contract it on thair genitals importiant thing to know is that hsv1 outbreaks more often like 60% more often in mouth on your genitals its less likely same if you get hsv2 genital in your mouth its less likely to shed and outbreak but not completely free of it.

You can even get herpes on your hands fingers arms legs stomach anywhere else if you get enough virus particles from a outbreak on the area of skin but like I said if its not the preference area which would be genitals for hsv2 and oral for hsv1. Now suppose you got herpes on you mouth first inital outbreak then rubbed your hands fingers with your mouth etc you could spread it you would prolly get a few bumps but shedding and outbreaks on those regions aren't likely. Now years later if you got a surgery your very likely to outbreak everywhere on your body the virus is hiding.

In most countrys 8-10 people have hsv1 its very common and spreadable like wildfire. Kissing your family members etc you can get it so easy. I wouldn't worry about who I kiss if I was you but thats entirely up to you.

Answer:
Although your concern over hsv1 is understandable, it might be hard to avoid it entirely since so many people do have it... as you said maybe 50-80%. You can choose to eliminate 50-80% of the dating pool... and avoid the risks entirely. It's still nice to know someone's HSV status even if you don't plan to necessarily eliminate them from your dating pool, just so that you can be aware of the risk and perhaps take precautions (dental dams/condoms for oral sex). One study said people with oral herpes ~~ 5% of the time without symptoms, so most of the time you are safe, but unfortunately you never know when the unsafe times are.