Kissing and Herpes
Kissing is a very common activity and what most people don't know is that a person can acquire or transmit herpes through kissing. The AHMF has launched a campaign to raise awareness about kissing and herpes.
- About 76 % of adult Australians are carrying Herpes simplex virus type 1 HSV-1 (which usually causes cold sores but also causes about 40 % of genital herpes)
- About 12 % of adult Australians are carrying Herpes simplex virus type 2 HSV-2 (the commonest cause of genital herpes)
When you kiss, parts of your mouth that may be “shedding” HSV get rubbed against another person's mouth or other parts of the body. So kissing can cause not just old sores, but also genital herpes When you get herpes, redness , blisters or sores can occur and this means that the virus has entered the body at or near that point.
However, most people who become infected with these viruses do not develop any symptoms typical of cold sore or genital herpes, but nonetheless, may be infectious and transmit the infection to others through kissing or sexual contact.
What can you do?
- As a parent be careful not to kiss your child or other family members if you have a cold sore.
- As a couple, openly discuss any history of herpes virus infection and avoid kissing or oral sex if cold sores are present. It is also important to talk to your doctor.
- If you have ever been diagnosed with herpes, please complete our survey.
Learn more about kissing and herpes
If one of you has herpes and the other doesn't, see What does herpes mean for partners?
Learn about genital herpes: Ten things you should know about herpes
Learn about cold sores: Ten things you should know about cold sores
Understand how herpes is transmitted and how you can reduce the risk: Herpes transmission and safe sex
