DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have many questions on herpes that need urgent answers, so please reply quickly. Can a person with a cold sore cause a herpes infection on a partner’s private parts through oral sex? How do you know if you have a herpes infection? Do infections always come back? What are the medicines for it? Can it be cured? Do condoms prevent it? – B.F.

ANSWER: The herpesvirus causes two common infections – cold sores (fever blisters) and genital infections. HSV-1 – herpesvirus-1 – is the usual cause of cold sores; HSV-2, of genital infections. However, HSV-1 can cause genital infections, and HSV-2 can cause cold sores. If a person has a cold sore, he or she can transmit the herpes-1 virus to the genitals through oral sex.

The initial herpes genital infection often comes with fever, headache, muscle pain and swollen lymph nodes.

People who have an outbreak of herpes should not engage in sexual relations even with a condom. Transmission is possible when there are no signs of infection, although the possibility of spread is much less than it is when there is an active outbreak. At these times, it is wise to use a condom for protection.

The herpes pamphlet answers most questions about this common infection. Readers can obtain a copy by writing: Dr. Donohue – No. 1202, Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.50 U.S./$6.50 Can. with the recipient’s printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.