<s>[INST] I have just been diagnosed with HSV-1 but it was a painful genital breakout. First one. My wife has also been diagnosed with HSV-1 but its oral. She sometimes gets cold sores on her mouth. Is it possible for me to give her another infection of HSV-1 in her genitals if I m shedding in my genitals? thank you S [/INST] Hi. Welcome to Chat Doctor . I have gone through your query and can understand your concerns. As per your complaint infection in genitals seems to be due to HSV 2 and in case if you have a breakout in your genitals I would suggest you to avoid intimate contact with your wife as you can very much transfer infection to her, and she is susceptible to develop infection when she is already infected with oral herpes. I would also suggest you to consult an Infectious Medicine Specialist and get evaluated, and he can do viral culture as well as blood culture to rule out the exact level of infection. He can start a course of oral and topical anti-viral medications for you as well as your wife and can give oral doses of Acyclovir and topical application of antiviral ointments like Acyclovir, Val acyclovir etc. for reducing viral count.Anti-viral medication will reduce the frequency of recurrent infection as well as reduce the duration of prevent infection. Avoid sexual intimacy to prevent spread and severity of infection. Keep your personal use things like towels glasses etc. separate. Always use washed and cleaned undergarments, towels, clothes etc. Hope this information helps. Thanks and regards. Chat Doctor.  </s>