Hi Hallie,

Yes, you can get genital herpes by having oral sex with someone who has oral
herpes.

It's too bad your partner didn't tell you this before.

The question is, does she have oral herpes, genital herpes, or both.  The virus
stays in the location of infection.  So, a genital herpes infection, regardless
of if it is type 1 or 2, will stay in the genitals.  And the same for an oral
infection.  The virus doesn't move around the body.

So, if your partner has genital herpes and not oral herpes, you cannot get
herpes from contact with her mouth.

However, if you perform oral sex on her and she is contagious for genital
herpes, then you can get oral herpes.

I suggest you consider having a blood test for herpes to see if you already have
type 1.  Many people do.  If you already have it, then you don't need to worry
about catching it again as long as you are healthy.

The chances of you catching it are hard to predict.  It depends on how long your
partner has had it.  If you already have it.  How often she sheds the virus
asymptomatically--which no one can predict, etc, etc.  The longer someone has
herpes, the less they shed.  Also, your partner could take one of the many
antivirals on the market which would cut down on the amount of time she sheds
thus giving you more contagion free days.

I have type 1 genital herpes and was with my husband for 17 years.  He never
showed signs of catching it from me.

Herpes Whitlow is what the virus is called when it infects the hands.  It's a
bit difficult to get herpes on the hand because the skin is tougher.  The virus
needs a way inside the body so any cut on your hand would be a way in.

I know I haven't given you any concrete answers, but there aren't any concrete
answers in the world of herpes.

Take care,
ar

Hi Hallie ~

I believe if you read the free herpes handbook over on
www.westoverheights.com - you will have a better understanding of how herpes
is transmitted.

Have you ever been tested specifically for herpes? Herpes is not included in
the routine std testing process so you might want to think about getting
tested if you haven't already.

Have a great weekend,

Angela :)