So I'm sure this has been talked about countless times, but since I am new, please fill me in.  I feel safe about not getting most STD's when using protection, except for herpes.  That scares me.  I know you can just get that by kissing someone who has a cold sore.  I'm sure it's hard to tell if they have one. The provider may not even be able to tell, to know, or to care to tell you.  This freaks me out.  Yet, mini me seems to ignore the fear.  Any advice or input on the topic?  Any personal experiences involving providers with cold sores around the mouth or genitals? And what's up with this assymptomatic transmission that can happen when symptoms aren't even visible? Now that's scary...

Cold sores are a cousin of genital herpes and are virtually impossible to tell the difference when looking at a persons mouth.  

If you're worried, do not kiss, period.  If you're worried, accept only CBJ.  

Even with no visible sores, an individual can be actively shedding cells which are carrying the virus.