How do you get herpes and how would my partner knows she has it if she isn't seeing any signs?

Fluid exchange: Herpes is most commonly transmitted via fluid exchange through kissing, oral-genital sex, sexual intercourse. Usually, upon exposure, there is a latency period after which blisters appear that are painful. They are often noted as cold sores when they appear around the lips. If you had herpes before, you may not see the classic signs of pain/skin blisters/vesicles etc.