Having the herpes virus does not mean that your dating life is over. There is no reason you cannot continue meeting and dating people, as long as youre willing to be open and honest with them about your diagnosis.

Should you tell people about HSV-1?

Your friends, colleagues and family probably dont need to know about it, as theres minimal risk of them catching the virus from you through sexual contact. If you have close friends and the subject of herpes comes up in discussion, feel free to tell them about your HSV-1 or HSV-2 status if you feel comfortable.

Can HSV-1 be transmitted through sperm?

HSV-1 and -2 infections can both be transmitted sexually, with semen being the major carrier of viral particles.