Cincinnati, OH
A 27-year-old male asked:
is there a difference between sexually transmitted oral herpes and obtaining oral herpes through genetics? can you do a test to find out?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Bruce Weisbrot answered
Dentistry 42 years experience
I would not think so: I have not heard of genetically aquired herpes. Herpes is a viral infection that can only be transmitted by direct contact with an infected person with active lesions. Oral herpes can be spread orally thru kissing and genitally via oral sex. There is medication taken daily that greatly decreases your chances of having any active lesions called valtrex (valacyclovir). See your doctor for a prescription.
5254 views
Dr. Raymond Traver answered
Dentistry 35 years experience
No: Herpes is caused by a virus. It is not a genetic disorder.
5246 views
Dr. Gary Sandler answered
Dentistry 54 years experience
Not genetically!: Herpes simplex is most easily transmitted by direct contact with a lesion or the body fluid of an infected individual. Transmission may also occur through skin-to-skin contact during periods of asymptomatic shedding. You get the first episode of herpes infection from another person who has an active lesion. Shared eating utensils, razors and towels, as well as kissing, may spread hsv-1.
5246 views
Dr. Martin Raff commented
Infectious Disease 56 years experience
You do not get Herpes infection genetically.
Mar 11, 2013
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Last updated Apr 27, 2014
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