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.

Should you not date someone with cold sores?

Its best to avoid sex during herpes outbreaks, as this is when the virus is most likely to spread to other people. Take your HSV-1 or HSV-2 transmission risk seriously. Even with the tactics listed above, theres still some risk of you transmitting herpes to your partner.