Hi Mrjayjay,

Shedding is a mysterious thing because you can't really tell when it is
happening.

The first question is, how long has your girlfriend had cold sores?  If it has
been less than a year or two, then she will shed more than if she has had them
for a few years.  The longer someone has herpes, the less they shed.

The second question is to find out if YOU have ever been tested for herpes.  If
not, you might actually have it and have never shown any symptoms.

Obviously, you don't want to be in contact with the cold sore while it is
visible.  That includes oral sex as well.  As for the shedding, you will be
taking your chances because you can't really know when she is contagious.

However, if you are really worried, your girlfriend can speak to her doctor
about getting a prescription for one of the herpes antiviral meds that are
available.  She would take a dose every day.  These meds DO cut down on the rate
of shedding, however, they can't protect you 100% from getting the virus.

The pills can be expensive so you should offer to pay for half at least.

Take care,
ar

There's always a risk involved but there's a risk you'll pick it up
somewhere else as well. I would think NOT kissing your girlfriend
would entail risks of its own ;-)
Ar Grant gave you some good advice about checking to see if you're
already infected. Most people (up to 90%) who are infected don't know
it because they haven't been tested and there's simply no symptoms to
alert them.

Again, it's possible but a very slight risk. Your hsv status matters
quite a bit. Again, Ar's suggestion that your girlfriendgo on
suppression is a good ida. At least for the first year or two while
she's probably shedding more often asymptomatically than she will in
later years. One other suggestion, you can get condoms in a variety of
flavors. Seriously. Everything from vanilla, to grape, to
tootie-fruity. Your gf might like that and your risk would be cut down
even further. I suggest being tested though. If you're already
infected with the same type she has, there's not much point in taking
the above advice.

There's a huge difference between "possible" and "likely".  I wouldn't
say you'd "likely" become infected even without suppression and/or
condoms.

M2

It's still possible to pass herpes even if there are no signs or symptoms.

Be sure and read the free herpes handbook over on www.westoverheights.com

Angela ;-)