Yes, you can contract oral herpes, aka cold sores, from kissing, but developing genital herpes this way is less likely. Oral herpes (HSV-1) is usually transmitted by kissing, and genital herpes (HSV-2) is most often spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Can you be exposed to oral herpes and not get it?

Most oral and genital herpes infections are asymptomatic. 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.

How likely is it to get herpes orally?

What You Need to Know. Fifty percent to 80 percent of U.S. adults have oral herpes. Oral herpes can be spread through intimate contact with someone who is infected. Oral herpes can be difficult to diagnose.