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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Kissing > Herpes transmission without sores
Posted on: 04/15/2008
Question
Is it possible to transmit oral herpes by kissing someone even when cold sores are not present?
Answer
The answer is yes. There is a prodrome phase where virus is being shed and so is able to be transmitted before the lesions actually appear. Most people will have a sensation of tingling or numbness before the sores come out and should be considered able to pass the virus during that time. If someone is having recurrent outbreaks, they should consider suppressive therapy with acyclovir or other appropriate antiviral medications.