"Where did I get this?"
Type 1 herpes is ubiquitous which means it is everywhere. You may have been exposed when your Grandma leaned into the crib to kiss you when you were a baby or gotten exposed when you kissed on your first date. This is not considered a true STD since it is not necessary to have intimate relations to contract this virus.

"If I give unprotected oral sex to my girlfriend while I had a cold sore on my lip, is it possible that she could get herpes type 1 in her genitals?"
Yes, this is a risk. Herpes virus does not care where it lands. Both type 1 and 2 of this virus can be found both in the mouth and genitals.

"How do I know if I am getting ready to have an outbreak?"
Some people have no warning but many have a tingling or a burning sensation usually followed by a small cluster of blisters.

"When do I have to go to the doctor for this?"
The first outbreak is the most dramatic so if you are not sure what you are dealing with have a health professional take a look at your symptoms. It is best to get on one of the medications (pills or ointment) early in the infection within the first one or two days to limit the severity of the outbreak.

"How long after I get exposed will it take for the herpes to show up?"
If you were exposed to herpes the incubation time varies between a few days to a couple of weeks. Symptoms generally occur in 2 to 3 weeks.

"How do doctors test for this?"
Usually this is a 'clinical diagnosis' which means that the assessment is made by listening to the symptoms and doing an examination. There is also a blood test to see if you have antibodies to a previous exposure.

"Can I take a drug to prevent an outbreak?"
Yes. You need to have a discussion with your doctor or nurse practitioner and if it is decided that you have more than 6 outbreaks in a year you may decide to go on 'prophylactic' antivirals such as Valtrex, Famvir or acyclovir.