What are the chances of getting herpes from kissing?
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We know that contact with active herpes lesions or oral secretions (like saliva) can lead to HSV-1 transmission to another person. In fact, studies have shown that up to 9 percent of adults have detectable HSV-1 particles in their saliva, even with no symptoms at all.
Can I catch herpes from kissing?
Herpes is spread from skin-to-skin contact with infected areas, often during vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, and kissing. Herpes causes outbreaks of itchy, painful blisters or sores that come and go.

Can you get herpes from kissing someone without an outbreak?
Yes. It is possible for a person to spread herpes without an outbreak. As long as the person has a herpes infection, they can spread it even if an outbreak has never occurred.
How long after a kiss can you get herpes?
According to the CDC, the intial stage of herpes infection is four days after exposure. Oral and genital herpes are most contagious during this “outbreak” phase, whether or not the person is showing visible symptoms.

Can you get herpes from saliva?
The herpes virus that causes genital herpes spreads through saliva, semen and vaginal secretions. It’s possible to get genital herpes from someone who doesn’t have visible symptoms.
Can you get oral herpes from saliva?
Oral herpes is mainly transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with someone who carries the virus. You can get it from contact with cold sores, saliva, or the surfaces in and around the mouth.
Can you spread herpes through saliva?
The herpes virus that causes genital herpes spreads through saliva, semen and vaginal secretions. It’s possible to get genital herpes from someone who doesn’t have visible symptoms. You can have the infection, not know it and infect someone else.
Can I give herpes to my child by kissing?
Herpes can only be passed through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area such as kissing, oral sex, genital-to-genital rubbing, vaginal, and anal sex. Herpes (both oral & genital) can be spread even when there are no symptoms or sores. This is called asymptomatic shedding.