Genital herpes: how is it transmitted.

Dear Ask The Doctor: My girlfriend has been told to go to an Std clinic for genital herpes. She went got a blood test and a swab, the nurse thinks she most likely does have it, but just to confirm it she's doing the test. She swears to have no slept with anyone and I know I haven't. We are both 16 and girls. She always has colesores whilst I never have them. Could this be a possibility, that her kissing me, could have gave it to her vagina, like straight away? Any other causes? Any ways, you would suggest apart from her being with someone else? I don't have any symtons as she has, a scab kind of blister thing, that is always away now, by a course of anti-biotics. Thankyou so much for your help xxx

Dear Courtney: Genital herpes is usually caused by HSV 2 and cold sores are caused by HSV 1. However any contact especially the way you have described can lead to transmission of this to the genital area. I would suggest using the antiviral given till the sores are completely healed and avoid contact till then. I hope this helps.