HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

I have not had a cold sore in 6 years. am i less contagious to my gf if i give her oral sex or kiss her then someone who breaks out a lot?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

No: "it is where it is" and to minimize risks of spreading "don't even think about dining out". You are just as contagious as someone who breaks out a lot.

Dr Samuel agreed

Answered 3/30/2013

5.2k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Is it safe to give my partner oral and kiss him when I don't have a cold sore?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Can I give my partner oral and kiss him when I don't have a cold sore? Is it safe to give him oral and kiss him when I don't have a cold sore? Help

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I kissed my kids & did oral & sex with my hub 12 hrs later i had itching & hours after a cold sore did i pass it on to them before the sore appeared?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Is someone who has cold sore never be able to have unprotected oral sex or a passionate kiss for the rest of their life due to viral shredding?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I have a cold sore that never broke open, is nearly healed. treated with valtrex, (valacyclovir) but I kissed someone/had oral sex. What is risk for partner?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

I got a cold sore over 10 days ago. It seems healed but there is still is a scar that is peeling a bit. Is it contagious at this stage? Can I kiss?
2 months ago I got herpes cold sore on my lip 1 month ago it seemed to heal but redness remains & has slowly bettered Am I still contagious?Can I kiss
2 month ago I got herpes cold sore on my lip 1 month ago it seemed to heal but redness remains & it has slowly better Am I still contagious?Can I kiss
My ex gave me genital hsv1 after oral sex when he had a cold sore. This was 9 years ago and I have never had an outbreak since. How contagious am i?
I think I have herpes+symptoms+on+tongue but i'm not sure, is it contagious if i kiss someone else or give oral sex?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.