You may be feeling afraid of talking to your partner about having a cold sore, or even dating someone with a cold sore. However, dating with cold sores is possible, if youre open and honest about it.

What if my partner has a cold sore?

To keep the virus from spreading, your husband should be careful to avoid kissing and other skin-to-skin contact with you and with anyone else while he has a cold sore. He also should keep his personal items, such as towels and lip balm, separate from other people in your household during the time he has a sore.

Should I not kiss someone with a cold sore?

If you have cold sores, you can help prevent transmission of HSV-1 by: avoiding close physical contact, such as kissing or oral sex, until the sore is fully healed. not touching your cold sore unless youre applying a topical medication.