Feel questions regarding herpes would greatly appreciate advices

[leogun]

Hi all,
today I just had my first ever outbreak or cold sores on my lips. My doctor gave mi a set of anitbiotics, a set of acyclovir as well as a cream to apply on my cold sores. As I this is my first time getting cold sores on my lips, i have certain questions regarding oral herpes:

1) I have heard that oral herpes can be transmitted to other parts of my body. So should I use a separate towel after I shower and not use the same towel to wipe my face dry and my body? Also, can I wash my towel along with the clothes of my other family members in the washing machine?

2) During shower, will the water that trickle down my lip region infect other parts of my body like my genitals region since virus may be present in the water that trickle down from my lips(cold sores region)?

3) when my cold sores have healed, am I able to kiss my gf or perform oral sex on my gf? will there still be virus shedding on my lips even after the cold sores are gone? I am just afraid of infecting my gf..

I know some of my qns may seem paraniod but as I am very ignorant in this field, I hope to be able to learn more to protect myself as well as people living with me..thank you very much for any advice given..

[leogun]

hi grace, we just did the test..will update u when the test results are out!by the way, should I change my toothbrush once my cold sore is healed?

[gracefromHHP]

once you know who has what, you'll better be able to decide what precautions to take.

http://www.ashastd.org/std-sti-works/Herpes/oral-herpes.html  has terrific info for you both to read.

[leogun]

ok we will get ourselves tested tomorrow. Also, as I am on acyclovir now,is it ok to go for the test? Just a side question, say If I am positive and my gf is not, is it ok for me to kiss her when I dont have cold sores or perform oral sex with her when i dont haf cold sores?thank you very much.

[gracefromHHP]

have you considered that she has hsv1 and transmitted it recently to you?  that is why she needs tested to know her status.

[leogun]

Hi Grace, we haven been together for 4 years..I did not do any test fr HSV1..but my doctor look at my blisters on my outer lips and told me its cold sores...and when I googled online i realised I can actually spread it to my gf even if my sores are healed!!that freaked me out so I am asking advice from you..ok say if my gf is negative, what changes to our life should we make?say for example our sex life, or maybe when we plan to have kids in future?

[gracefromHHP]

only 20-40% of folks who have hsv1 orally, get obvious cold sores to know it. she needs to get tested to know her own status so you can make educated decisions about what precautions to take together.

how long have you two been together?

what testing for hsv1 orally did you have done?

[leogun]

no she has not been tested but she doesnt have any symptoms. ok what advice would you give if she is positive and what advice would you give if she is negative. I will get her to test soon though. thank you very much.

[gracefromHHP]

she's been tested?

[leogun]

Thank you very much for the promp reply Grace. My gf does not have herpes. So what would you advise Grace? Thank you very much once again.

[gracefromHHP]

1 - none of those are issues at all.

2 - not an issue at all

3 - has your gf been tested to know her status?

grace