For starters, avoid direct skin-to-skin contact during an outbreak. This includes kissing and oral sex, since herpes can be spread through oral action, including rimming. Avoid sharing objects that make contact with saliva, like drinks, utensils, straws, lipsticks, and — not that anyone would — toothbrushes.

How long after a herpes outbreak is it safe to kiss?

In general, its best to wait for three to four days after the cold sore scab disappears before you kiss someone or engage in oral sex. This is because the herpes virus can continue shedding in the late stages of a cold sore healing, even if theres no viral fluid present.

Is herpes always contagious?

Symptoms of herpes include painful blisters or ulcers at the site of infection. Herpes infections are most contagious when symptoms are present but can still be transmitted to others in the absence of symptoms.

Can I kiss someone if I have herpes?

For starters, avoid direct skin-to-skin contact during an outbreak. This includes kissing and oral sex, since herpes can be spread through oral action, including rimming. Avoid sharing objects that make contact with saliva, like drinks, utensils, straws, lipsticks, and — not that anyone would — toothbrushes.