I have herpes 1 (oral) and my girlfriend doesn't have it. i want to kiss her but i'm scared i will give it to her. she knows i have it. does anti viral medication help so she can't get it from? and how much does it help?

HSV is contagious: Even between episodes of visible cold sores (HSV) on lips, people can be asymptomatic shedders of the virus from saliva, and mucosal lesions. Valtrex (valacyclovir) and other oral antiviral agents can minimize viral shedding, but will not reduce risk to zero. You will be less likely to spread the virus if using the pill as chronic, suppressive medicine.

No kissing if active: If and when you have active herpes 1 lesions you should avoid kissing. You might need to take antiviral medicine as soon as you have signs of recurrence. Chance of spreading herpes 1 when you don't have active lesions is very slim but can happen. If you get frequent episodes of herpes then you might need to be on daily dose of antiviral medicine for a long term. Kissing would be safe then.