Oral Sex Right Before Cold Sore?

Dear Ask The Doctor: I had given oral sex right before an outbreak of a cold sore on my mouth. i have given it at the time of 4 to 5 PM and at 9PM that night a cold sore on my mouth started to develope. Is the cold sore infecectious before the outbreak? is my partner at risk?

Dear Alan: Cold sore is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1. Unfortunately the viurs is contagious even in the period just before an outbreak, this is the period where you feel tingling, itching or irritation. It spreads via skin contact from the affected area typically by kissing. Your partner may have contracted the virus based on the timing you listed, but the virus is latent most of the time and the outbreak is not dangerous. However, nce you have the infection, it's with you for life.   The virus is thought be associated with changes affecting the immune system, such as fever, flu, stress, trauma etc for its outbreaks.

You can avoid prevent spread during this period by washing your hands regularly. Avoid sharing, touching the effected area and do not kiss or engage in sexual activity. You can use topical over the counter products for symptomatic relief. You can also consult your GP for prescription antiviral medications which may heal the sores more quickly.