Is herpes type 1 contagious?

Oral Herpes. Approximately 50 percent of the adult population in the United States has oral herpes, typically caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). ... read more

The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is an infection that causes herpes. Herpes can appear in various parts of the body, most commonly on the genitals or mouth. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus. HSV-1: Also known as oral herpes, this type can cause cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth and on the face. read more

HSV-1 can be transmitted through oral sex and cause sores on the genitals, though this is much less common than the genital herpes caused by HSV-2. However, cold sore type lesions on the genitals is definitely more than a minor annoyance, so it's a good practice to stay out of the playground when you have a cold sore. read more

A result of a viral infection, cold sores are contagious and can be easily spread from person to person. Any close contact with an infected person, such as kissing or oral sex, can result in the spread of the HSV-1 virus. read more