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A member asked:

If i got herpes 1 virus from my boyfriend, wouldn't it be more likely that i got it orally because he kissed me a lot before ever performing oral sex?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Michael Ein answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

Yes: Herpes simplex virus 1 causes 90% of oral herpes infections and 10% of genital herpes infections. Herpes simplex virus 2 causes the exact converse percentages of disease.

Answered 12/12/2012

5.4k views

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I have herpes simplex virus (cold sores) since I was very little. Every time I give my kids a kiss on the cheek (I never kiss on the month) I usually get a cold sore half the time. No warning. How likely is it to get a cold sore on your cheek?

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Is it possible for Herpes Simplex 1 to spread from my mouth to my genitals if my partner kissed me and then performed oral sex?

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