No, not really. Both HSV1 and HSV2 can be easily transmitted via skin-to-skin contact. HSV1 tends to prefer locations above the waist, such as the mouth, and HSV2 tends to prefer locations below the waist, such as the genitals, but both can also be easily spread to other parts of the body.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both types of HSV can infect both the mouth and the genitals. Once infected, a person will have the herpes simplex virus for the rest of their life.

In oral herpes, most blisters appear on the lips or mouth. They can also form elsewhere on the face, especially around the chin and below the nose, or on the tongue. At first, the sores look similar to small bumps or pimples before developing into pus-filled blisters. These may be red, yellow or white.

Oral herpes is mainly transmitted by skin-to-skin contact with someone who carries the virus. You can get it from contact with cold sores, saliva, or the surfaces in and around the mouth.

Oral HSV-2 was found less frequently than oral HSV-1 (0.06% v 1%, p<0.001) in people with HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibody, and less frequently than genital HSV-2 (0.09% v 7%, p<0.001).

The Short Answer: YES! PSA, You can 100% acquire herpes just by kissing someone (or getting kissed by someone) who has the herpes virus. Unfortunately, in this case, weird-cargo-shorts kid was right.

Oral herpes symptoms may vary largely depending on the stage and the degree of the infection. The most common symptom of oral herpes is the formation of cold sores of fever blisters. Before appearing, the individual may initially feel some pain, itching and burning sensation near the lips and the mouth.

Oral herpes is very infectious. It can be transmitted by kissing other skin contact, or by the sharing of items that come into contact with the mouth, such as a toothbrush or lipstick.