Is it true that herpes simplex 1 contagious without an outbreak?

Yes, but less so: All those infected with either herpes simplex 1 or 2 (oral/genital) constantly shed the virus & can give it to someone without an active lesion. However, you are more likely to get it when there is an active lesion since there is a higher level of the virus being shed. Most people acquire hsv1 but rarely or never have sores. There are meds your md or dmd can give to reduce freuency & severity.