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Can HSV Be Contacted Through French Kissing?

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Posted on Tue, 13 Sep 2016
Question: As a widow of 14 years, I am naive about getting into dating again. I have reconnected with an old friend whose wife died last year. We do not have a sexual relationship but have kissed heavily on several occasions. He shared with me recently that he and his late wife had/has HSV2. Could I contract this virus through heavy kissing? My beliefs do not allow me to have a sexual relationship outside of marriage. He is a wonderful man and would be the type I would like to marry, but I don't know if there is any way for me to be safe.
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
it may result into transmission

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

whether you're in danger of getting HSV2 or not depends on the site of infection. If he doesn't have it in the mouth then you're probably safe. Besides that getting HSV2 in the mouth is no different than getting HSV1 (it will cause a cold sore on the lips or the typical herpetic lesions elsewhere). HSV1 is very common among otherwise healthy individuals...

So in conclusion, if you don't have mucosal contact with the involved area (probably his genitals) then contracting HSV2 is not very likely. If he has HSV2 in his mouth then you may get infected even if he has no visible lesions.

I hope it helps!
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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Can HSV Be Contacted Through French Kissing?

Brief Answer: it may result into transmission Detailed Answer: Hello, whether you're in danger of getting HSV2 or not depends on the site of infection. If he doesn't have it in the mouth then you're probably safe. Besides that getting HSV2 in the mouth is no different than getting HSV1 (it will cause a cold sore on the lips or the typical herpetic lesions elsewhere). HSV1 is very common among otherwise healthy individuals... So in conclusion, if you don't have mucosal contact with the involved area (probably his genitals) then contracting HSV2 is not very likely. If he has HSV2 in his mouth then you may get infected even if he has no visible lesions. I hope it helps! Kind Regards!