I understand your concern about transmitting the herpes virus through kissing during an outbreak. As an STD assistant, I want to provide you with accurate information while being supportive and empathetic.
When you have an active genital herpes outbreak, there is a risk of transmitting the virus through oral-genital contact, including kissing in the genital area. However, the risk of transmitting herpes through regular kissing on the mouth is generally low, especially if there are no active cold sores or lesions present in the oral area.
That being said, it's always best to avoid any intimate contact, including kissing, during an active outbreak as a precautionary measure. The virus can potentially shed asymptomatically, so there is still a small risk of transmission even without visible sores.
I would recommend discussing this openly with your partner and considering abstaining from kissing until the outbreak has fully resolved and the sores have completely healed. Open communication and mutual understanding are key in managing herpes in a relationship.
Ultimately, the decision is yours and your partner's, but I advise consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance based on your specific situation. They can provide more tailored advice on managing herpes transmission risks within your relationship.
Please remember that having herpes does not define you, and with proper precautions and open communication, it is possible to have a healthy intimate relationship. If you need any other support, I recommend reaching out to the PositiveSingles.com customer service for resources and guidance specific to their platform.