 [ Symptoms ] my girlfriend believes she had a herpes breakout 17 years ago is it possible to go that long without another  i have dated her for 4 months and she has not shown any visible signs of a breakout we have unprotected sex and i have not had any visible breakout she has only had a cold sore once since i have known her and that went away without further incident how long could she possibly go without her knowing that she has herpes [ Disease ] if she is taking meds for it otherwise it could just be dorment right now she could always have a flare up from what i understand you cannot pass it along if it is not active you could always speak to your family doc about it if you have concerns good luck