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Your Herpes Questions, Answered: HSV-1 vs. HSV-2, Transmission Risks, and How to Protect Yourself

  • BeWellAdmin
  • 1 minute ago
  • 3 min read
Image Credit: Envato.com
Image Credit: Envato.com

You had questions — and we're here with answers.


After publishing Cold Sores and Oral Sex: What You Actually Need to Know About Herpes Transmission, we received an overwhelming response from readers who wanted to dig deeper. What's the actual difference between HSV-1 and HSV-2? Can you catch herpes from sharing a drink or a vape? How do you even know if you have it?


Herpes is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — infections out there. Stigma often gets in the way of honest conversations, so we've compiled your most frequently asked questions and answered them with evidence-based, judgement-free information. Whether you've read the original article or you're starting here, this Q&A is designed to give you the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions about your sexual health.


Q: What’s the difference between herpes HSV1 + HSV2?


HSV-1 vs. HSV-2 are both Herpes Simplex Viruses, but different strains. HSV-1 commonly causes oral herpes (cold sores around the mouth/lips), which is often spread through kissing or sharing drinks/utensils. HSV-2 commonly causes genital herpes (sores around genitals/anus), which usually spread through sexual contact.


HSV-1 is more prevalent than HSV-2 (~48% and ~12% aged within 14-49, respectively). Many people have no symptoms but can still spread it.


Q: How do you distinguish oral herpes?


A: Oral herpes is commonly identified by small, painful blisters or sores that appear on or around the lips and mouth called cold sores. Cold sores may break open, ooze, and then crust over before healing.


Canker sores are not caused by the herpes virus and occur inside the mouth while cold sores (which are always caused by Herpes) occur outside the mouth. A healthcare professional can confirm the diagnosis through clinical examination or laboratory testing if needed.


Q: How do I know if I have genital herpes?


A: Genital herpes may cause small blisters, sores, or ulcers on or around the genitals or anus, often accompanied by itching, pain, or burning. Some people have very mild or no symptoms, making it difficult to recognize without testing.


A healthcare provider can diagnose genital herpes through an examination and laboratory tests, especially when sores are present.


Q: I think I’m bisexual and I’m scared to have sex with women. What do I do?


A: Being bisexual does not mean you need to have sex with women if you are not ready. Be patient with yourself, communicate with any potential partners about your fears, and familiarize yourself with resources and communities you can explore when you are ready if you choose.


Resources

SHRC: "The Sexual Health Resource Centre is a confidential, non-judgmental, sex positive, pro-choice, queer positive, non-heteronormative, and feminist information and referral service for questions regarding sex, sexuality and sexual health”


Yellow House: "The Yellow House Student Centre for Equity and Inclusion team is committed to creating comfortable and accountable spaces on campus for students who identify as Queer, and/or Trans, and/or Black, and/or Indigenous, and/or Persons of Colour (QTBIPoC) to feel safer, to create community, to be empowered, to celebrate their identity, and to flourish”


Q: How can herpes be spread? How can I reduce my risk?


A: Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) spreads primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. This includes kissing, oral sex, genital contact, and vaginal or anal sex. Importantly, herpes can be transmitted even when no sores are visible, due to asymptomatic viral shedding.


Q: Can sharing drinks or vapes spread herpes?


Sharing drinks, cups, utensils, lip gloss, or beer funnels

→ Short answer: Yes, transmission is possible, but the risk is low.

HSV does not survive well outside the body, so indirect transmission through objects is much less common than direct contact. However, transmission can occur if: A person has an active cold sore, and the item is shared immediately, allowing saliva or fluid from the sore to contact another person’s mouth.


Sharing vapes

→ The risk is still low, but slightly higher than sharing drinks.

Vape mouthpieces make direct contact with the lips and may retain saliva. If someone has an active cold sore and the vape is shared right away, HSV could be passed via saliva on the mouthpiece.


Ways to reduce your risk

● Avoid oral or sexual contact during active sores or early symptoms (tingling, itching, burning)

● Use condoms and dental dams to lower transmission risk (available at SWS)

● Antiviral medications can reduce outbreaks and lower the chance of transmission

● Open communication with partners supports informed and safer choices


References:


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