Fever Blister
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Fever Blister
| Fri, 04-20-2007 - 1:34pm |
My wife gets a blister on her lip sometimes. It this something she caught from someone or is it something you can just get?
| Fri, 04-20-2007 - 1:34pm |
Welcome to the board. Cold sores are Herpes Simplex Virus 1, and yes, they are contagious. Many people start getting them as children and usually catch the virus from their parents. About 80% of all people are infected with Herpes Simplex Virus 1, but not all of those infected actually get cold sores.
Not that you asked, but since we are on a sex board...
Herpes Simples Virus 2 is a STD and affects the genitals. Simplex 1 can be transferred to the genitals and become Simplex 2.
Here are some articles that you may find helpful:
Cold Sores: What Causes Them?
http://parenting.ivillage.com/tp/tphealth/0,,3q4f,00.html
How Contagious is Oral Herpes?
http://health.ivillage.com/dental/dmouthsores/0,,6hjc,00.html
Health Tip: Genital Herpes Can Be Spread Without Symptoms
People with no signs may still be contagious
http://health.ivillage.com/infectious/0,,wbnews_9dhjn3fq,00.html
Genital Herpes: Fast Facts
http://health.ivillage.com/gynostds/gherpes/topics/0,,4v67,00.html?ice=ivl,searcht
Did you read any of the articles? I'm not sure if they covered prevention, but if she does not have an active cold sore (on her lip) then it's a very small chance that she could pass the virus on to you through oral sex. Since 80% (or more) of all adults have Simplex 1, unless you are planning to avoid oral sex altogether, then I think you are putting yourself at equal risk with most partners who do not have an active cold sore (on their lips).
My DH gets cold sores -- has all of his life. My dad gets cold sores -- has ever since I have known him. My mom doesn't, I don't .... and I don't avoid oral sex. It if makes you feel safer, you could wear a condom during oral sex.
I get cold sores periodically, since childhood. Same place on my lower lip. I find I get it generally when I've been extremely stressed or gotten a sunburn. I do not have herpes "down there". Just get the cold sore. I can generally tell when it's coming on as my lip has this tingling sensation and then begins to feel puffy. I don't think I've ever wanted to give DH oral when I've had one, cause it kind of hurts until it heal up. None of my ex's ever caught anything from it, nor has DH nor my kids.
As pp says, if she's interested in oral during that time, wear a condom and have fun.
HTH
Sallie