If a person has cold sores on their lips, they can transmit them to their partners mouth during kissing. They can also transmit them to their partners genitals during oral sex. Similarly, a genital HSV-1 infection can be transmitted to a partners genitals or their mouth. HSV-2 oral infections are possible.

Should I be worried if my partner has cold sores?

Even if youre on the mend, cold sores are highly contagious and may do more than just transmit the infection to your partner. It may increase your risk of a sexually transmitted disease (STD).