I have a dumb question: HSV-2 and kissing?

[beihaigirl2004]

I am new to all of this and can't seem to find the answer to this - I have HSV2. Can I pass it via kissing? I know you can with HSV1 if there is a cold sore but I'm thinking since mine affects the genital region I have no worries of passing via kissing, right? Sorry if this sounds stupud. I just don't want to pass this monster to anyone. 

[mr_hopp]

No dumb questions here! Glad you’re asking to be clear. It’s a common question, so you’re in good company. 

If you have genital HSV-2 then you wouldn’t shed virus around your mouth; viral shedding only happens around the general area of the original infection. So if you have genital herpes, it sheds below the belt; if you have oral herpes, it sheds around the mouth. Does that help?

[beihaigirl2004]

Yes it does. Thank you!