Should I be tested for HSV type one?

Dear Ask The Doctor: My boyfriend was diagnosed with hsv-1 on his genitals. I know this is a very common virse also causing cold sores and fever blisters. so many people have it. Should I be tested just because he has it or should I not worry since it is such a common virus??

Dear Bray: There are two types of Herpes Virus: Herpesvirus type 1 (HSV-1), which is transmitted primarily by contact with infected saliva and Herpesvirus type 2 (HSV-2) which is usually sexually transmitted. HSV-1 , as you said, is the usual cause of what most people call "fever blisters" in and around the mouth and can be transmitted from person to person through kissing. Less often, HSV-1 can cause genital herpes infections through oral sexual contact. The genital sores caused by either virus look the same. Anyone with active disease should avoid any sexual contact when sores are present. Even the use of condoms does not prevent the spread of disease because not all sores are covered by the condom. Remember that individuals with herpes may spread the disease even if they do not realize they have an infection. Even more, they can transmit infection while their disease appears to be inactive and no sores can be visibly seen. Then, the chance of spreading disease is greatest when sores are present, people who have had genital herpes may always be contagious to some degree, even if they have received medical treatment. The virus can become active and be transmitted to the sexual partner even when the skin appears completely normal. For this reason, safe sex practices (condom) should be used between disease outbreaks to lessen the chance of spreading disease to a sexual partner. So, it is important that you get tested and if you are not infected so far, you can keep yourself this way practicing the measures described before. The herpes is common, yes, and a Public Health problem and also it is a STD that nobody wants to get.