While each case is different, here's our experience with this matter.
Mrs. Q gets cold sores from time to time, has since childhood.
Mr. Q has never had one.
Mr. and Mrs. Q have been together for over 15 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Q have been kissing and performing oral sex on each other as often as possible throughout said 15 years.
Mrs. Q has always refused to kiss Mr. Q or anyone else on the lips, or perform oral sex when she has a cold sore.
Mr. Q has never developed any symptoms of Herpes, on his lips or elsewhere, and other than cold sores neither has Mrs. Q.
I'm no doctor, but my personal hypothesis on the matter is that HSV 1 is one of those viruses that pretty much everyone has or at least is exposed to at some point in their lives. Some peoples' immune systems fight it off, others don't. If it's something that bothers you, then I would suggest that you tell other prospective partners of your ailment prior to engaging in any type of activity with them. If said partners happened to be us, we would probably laugh at you . . . . then kiss you to show our lack of concern. Provided that no one had a cold sore.
