I have the cold sore virus, Does this mean I had an STD?!
Question: I have the cold sore virus, Does this mean I had an STD?
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Yes cold sores are caused by the oral herpes virus. NO cold sores are not considered to be an std, you can get them with out ever having oral sex or intercourse. Most people get them when they are very young by being kissed by some one that has cold sores, the same thing could have happened to you. Being out in cold weather for long periods of time, being run down or having a lowered immune system from getting sick can trigger a cold sore to break out.
Technically, HSV 1, the virus that causes cold sores, can be an STD, if you got it or pass it on sexually. 60% of people in the US have the cold sore virus, and 1/4 of people have the genital version, either type 1 or 2. Some doctors are getting to the point where they've stopped calling herpes an STD because so many people have it. When you become sexually active, make sure you're very careful when performing oral sex. Even if you don't have an active cold sore, you can still be shedding the virus, so let your partner know or use protection.