Cold sores aren't hereditary, they're a virus -- specifically, herpes simplex 1. Many people get cold sores from so early in their lives that they don't realize it's a virus they've picked up.
Yes, if you give oral sex while you've got an active sore, you can give your partner herpes (but not herpes simplex 2, the usual form of genital herpes) on the genitals. You can also give folks herpes simplex 1 if you kiss during this time. It's contagious. You can ask your doctor for more advice on how not to spread it, and consider asking for a drug like Acyclovir, which can dramatically control outbreaks.
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Date: 2003-10-06 02:59 pm (UTC)Yes, if you give oral sex while you've got an active sore, you can give your partner herpes (but not herpes simplex 2, the usual form of genital herpes) on the genitals. You can also give folks herpes simplex 1 if you kiss during this time. It's contagious. You can ask your doctor for more advice on how not to spread it, and consider asking for a drug like Acyclovir, which can dramatically control outbreaks.