Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?

Have you ever had a cold sore? Viruses are the culprit, with herpes simplex virus (HSV) being the most common. HSV is generally thought to be a sexually transmitted disease, but most adults with oral herpes got it during childhood through direct contact — often through kissing. 

HSV has two types: type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Both types can cause oral and genital lesions. But HSV-1 more commonly causes oral lesions, and HSV-2 typically causes genital sores. 

The oral lesions typically present as painful blisters on your lips, tongue, or the roof of your mouth. Genital lesions typically present as grouped, fluid-filled blisters in the areas of the vagina, anus, or penis. Herpes lesions usually go away within 7 to 10 days, but symptoms can last for up to 3 weeks.

Here’s a look at how you can get herpes from kissing and how to prevent it from spreading.

Can you get herpes from kissing?

Yes. And, you can get either type of herpes from kissing. 

Because the two types of HSV can live on different parts of your body, the term “herpes” can cause confusion. Herpes is classified as either oral or genital herpes, depending on the location affected. But the location can’t tell you which type of HSV is causing your infection. 

In other words:

• You can get oral herpes by kissing someone who is infected with HSV-1. And you can get oral herpes by giving oral sex to someone who is infected with HSV-2 on their genitals.

• You can get genital herpes by having sex with someone who is infected with HSV-2. And you can get genital herpes by receiving oral sex from someone infected with HSV-1. 

How is herpes transmitted?

HSV-1 is typically transmitted by direct contact with the virus. Examples include:

• Sharing personal items (like razors, utensils, and lip balm)

• Kissing

• Touching infected lesions

• Oral sex 

• Penetrative sex 

HSV-2 is typically transmitted through sex. But it can also be spread by non-sexual contact through the same ways as HSV-1.

HSV can be transmitted even when you don’t see any active lesions. So, many people are unaware they’re even contagious. 

When is herpes most contagious?

A herpes infection is most contagious when you first become infected. This is known as a primary infection. After the virus enters your mucous membranes — like your mouth or genital region — it causes painful blisters and flu-like symptoms. This is the stage when you’re shedding the most virus. So, any contact with these painful lesions can spread the virus. 

After the infection goes away, the virus stays in your body, but can be inactive for periods of time. Inactive means the virus isn’t causing symptoms. This doesn’t mean the virus goes away though. Stressful situations such as surgery, a recent fever, or a physical injury can cause the virus to reactivate. When you develop a new blister, you can spread the virus.

But keep in mind that some people may not develop any symptoms, so they may not realize they’re contagious. As long as the virus continues to replicate — regardless of symptoms — it can still be transmitted to someone else.

How can you help stop herpes from spreading?

The best way to avoid herpes is to avoid direct contact with the virus. This means avoiding activities that can potentially transfer the infection to you.

Here are some ways to lower your risk of getting HSV:

• Avoid sex with anyone who has an active outbreak. 

• Always protect yourself during sex by using latex condoms.

• Wash with soap and water if you accidentally come into direct contact with herpes lesions.

If you have HSV, and you feel an outbreak about to start, avoid contact with your partner where your lesions typically erupt — even if you don’t see any sores yet. Remember, you’re contagious before you see a lesion on your skin.

Here are some other ways that you can reduce the spread of herpes: 

• Get treated with an antiviral medication. This decreases the time the body sheds the virus. 

• Avoid direct contact with anyone when you have an outbreak. This includes kissing, oral sex, or penetrative sex.

• Be honest with your partner and loved ones about your condition. This way, they can know when and where to avoid contact when you have an outbreak.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Shiv Sudhakar, MD

Shiv Sudhakar, MD, is a fellow of the Infectious Disease Society of America and works as a physician in California. He has co-authored over 10 peer-reviewed research articles, published several short stories, had a script recently optioned, and presented 20 scientific presentations, two of which placed in the top 3 at the American College of Physicians.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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