1) how long does it take to build the antibodies for hsv-1 oral? 2) how often does it transmit without symptoms? or viral shedding?

Herpes Simplex Virus is an unusual infection for two reasons: It cannot be cured, and when dormant, the virus lives in nerve cells. The vacillation of antibodies is caused by the virus hiding dormant in the nerve cells. During this time, your body's immune system cannot "see" the virus and therefore stops producing the Antibody proteins. Recurrences can occur due to stress, illness, etc.

Agree with Dr. Kratzberg. You can spread HSV without any symptoms and that is equivalent to shedding virus without having visible lesions. How often is not easily addressed, theoretically every contact can transmit infection.