Oral herpes, most commonly known as cold sores, is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. This oral lesion begins as small, usually painful, blisters that normally appear on the lips or inside the mouth. These blisters and open sores are extremely contagious. They may occur through contact with infected razors, towels, drinking glasses, utensils, and other shared items. Oral herpes can be spread through contact such as kissing or through oral sex. Direct contact for even a short amount of time is enough to spread the virus.
Herpes cannot be cured. Once you catch it, you will always have it. Even when you don’t have any symptoms, the virus is always in the body and can flare up at any time. Your health care provider can prescribe medications that quicken healing, making symptoms less painful. However, these medications don’t kill the virus and don’t prevent you from getting outbreaks in the future.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be spread through oral sexual activities. STDs can involve a variety of diseases, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and AIDS/HIV. Some infections cannot be treated and have permanent consequences. Please talk to a health care professional if you have any questions about STDs.