Question 1

What is Oath?

Accepted Answer

Oath is a premium dating app built specifically for the HSV (herpes simplex virus) community. It features real matching technology, photo verification, and privacy-first architecture designed to give HSV-positive singles a modern, high-quality dating experience.

Question 2

How does Oath's matching algorithm work?

Accepted Answer

Oath uses a taste-based matching system that learns your preferences over time based on who you interact with, not just surface-level filters. The more you use the app, the better your matches become.

Question 3

Is Oath free?

Accepted Answer

Oath is $9.99 per month with full access to all features. There are no paywalls for basic functionality like messaging or seeing who liked you.

Question 4

How much does Oath cost?

Accepted Answer

Oath is $9.99 per month. This includes full access to all features: messaging, matching, the Lounge, and discovery. There are no hidden fees or premium tiers that lock basic features behind additional paywalls.

Question 5

Is my HSV status private on Oath?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your HSV status is encrypted at the application layer the moment you enter it. The encryption key is stored separately from the data it protects. Even in the unlikely event of a data breach, your health information would be unreadable.

Question 6

How does photo verification work on Oath?

Accepted Answer

Every user must complete photo verification before they can see or appear in the discovery feed. You take a real-time selfie matching a specific pose, which is compared to your profile photos. The verification photo is processed in server memory and permanently deleted the moment the check completes.

Question 7

What is Oath+?

Accepted Answer

Oath+ is an application-only premium tier that offers enhanced matching features and priority access. Details about Oath+ features and the application process will be available at launch.

Question 8

Can people who do not have HSV use Oath?

Accepted Answer

Oath is designed for the HSV-positive community. The platform is built around the shared experience of living with HSV, and membership is intended for people who carry HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Question 9

Is Oath available on iPhone and Android?

Accepted Answer

Oath is launching on iOS first, with Android following shortly after. Join the waitlist to be notified when your platform is available.

Question 10

Does Oath share my data?

Accepted Answer

No. Oath does not sell, share, or monetize your personal data. Your health information is encrypted and never accessible to third parties. You can read our full privacy policy for complete details.

Question 11

Can someone I know find me on Oath?

Accepted Answer

Oath is only accessible to verified members of the HSV community. Your profile is not visible on the open internet, in search engines, or to anyone who has not completed the verification process within the app.

Question 12

What is the Lounge?

Accepted Answer

The Lounge is a community space within Oath where members can connect in group conversations, share experiences, and build friendships beyond just dating. It provides a supportive environment for the HSV community.

Question 13

Does Oath have fake profiles?

Accepted Answer

Oath requires photo verification for every account before it can appear in the discovery feed. This significantly reduces the possibility of fake profiles. Any account that fails verification is not shown to other users.

Question 14

Who built Oath?

Accepted Answer

Oath was built by a software engineer who is HSV-positive. The app was created out of personal experience with the limitations of existing HSV dating platforms and a belief that the community deserves a modern, high-quality alternative.

Question 15

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

You can request account deletion from within the app settings. There is a 30-day grace period during which you can reactivate. After 30 days, all your data is permanently and irreversibly deleted from our systems.

Question 16

How common is herpes?

Accepted Answer

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 3.7 billion people under age 50 have HSV-1 and approximately 491 million people aged 15 to 49 have HSV-2 worldwide. In the United States, the CDC estimates that over half of adults carry HSV-1 or HSV-2.

Question 17

Is herpes dangerous?

Accepted Answer

For the vast majority of people, herpes is a manageable skin condition. It does not affect life expectancy or fertility in most cases. Many people experience mild or no symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice specific to your situation.

Question 18

How do I report a user on Oath?

Accepted Answer

You can report any user directly from their profile or from a chat conversation. Reports are typically reviewed within 24 hours. Serious or repeated violations result in permanent bans.

Question 19

Is there a dating app for people with herpes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Oath is a premium dating app built specifically for people with herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2). Unlike older platforms, Oath features taste-based matching technology, required photo verification, application-layer encryption for health data, and a modern user experience designed in 2026. Other options include Positive Singles, MPWH, and HDate, though many of these have not been significantly updated in years.

Question 20

What is the best herpes dating site?

Accepted Answer

The best herpes dating site depends on what you prioritize. Oath offers the most modern experience with real matching technology, photo verification, and strong privacy architecture at $9.99 per month. Positive Singles has the largest user base due to its longevity but costs $29.95 per month and has faced a $16.5 million privacy lawsuit. MPWH and HDate are also options but offer more basic features.

Question 21

Can you use Tinder if you have herpes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can use mainstream dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble if you have herpes. There is no rule against it. The main consideration is disclosure — you will need to tell potential partners about your HSV status before physical intimacy. Some people prefer HSV-specific apps like Oath because everyone shares the same diagnosis, which removes the anxiety of the disclosure conversation.

Question 22

How do you date someone with HSV?

Accepted Answer

Dating someone with HSV is largely the same as dating anyone else. The key additions are: educate yourself about transmission rates and precautions, have an open conversation about sexual health, and discuss risk reduction strategies like daily antiviral medication and condom use. With these precautions, annual transmission risk can be reduced to approximately 2.5%. Many serodiscordant couples have healthy, fulfilling relationships.

Question 23

Is Positive Singles free?

Accepted Answer

Positive Singles offers a free tier, but it is extremely limited. Free users cannot read or send messages, which makes it essentially unusable for actual dating. Full access requires a paid subscription that costs approximately $29.95 per month. By comparison, Oath is $9.99 per month with full access to all features.

Question 24

How much does Positive Singles cost?

Accepted Answer

Positive Singles costs approximately $29.95 per month for full access. They offer discounted rates for longer subscription periods. Key features like messaging and seeing who viewed your profile require a paid subscription. Oath offers comparable features at $9.99 per month with no paywalled basic functionality.

Question 25

Can herpes be cured?

Accepted Answer

There is currently no cure for herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2). However, herpes is manageable with antiviral medications like valacyclovir (Valtrex) and acyclovir, which reduce outbreak frequency, severity, and transmission risk. Many people with HSV have infrequent or no outbreaks, especially over time. Research into herpes vaccines and gene therapy is ongoing. Consult your healthcare provider for treatment options.

Question 26

Can you get herpes from kissing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HSV-1 (oral herpes) can be transmitted through kissing, especially when cold sores are present. Most people contract HSV-1 during childhood from non-sexual contact like a kiss from a family member. Approximately 67% of the global population under age 50 carries HSV-1. HSV-2 is almost exclusively transmitted through sexual contact and is not typically spread through kissing.

Question 27

What percentage of people have HSV-1?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 67% of the global population under age 50 has HSV-1, according to the World Health Organization. That is roughly 3.7 billion people worldwide. In the United States, the CDC estimates that about 47.8% of people aged 14 to 49 have HSV-1. Most carriers are unaware they have it because they were infected during childhood and may never experience noticeable symptoms.

Question 28

How long can herpes be dormant?

Accepted Answer

Herpes can remain dormant (latent) indefinitely. After initial infection, the virus retreats to nerve ganglia where it can stay inactive for months, years, or even a lifetime without causing symptoms. Some people never experience a noticeable outbreak. Dormancy does not mean the virus is gone — it can reactivate at any time, often triggered by stress, illness, or immune suppression. Asymptomatic shedding can also occur during dormant periods.

Question 29

Do you have to disclose herpes?

Accepted Answer

Ethically, most people believe you should disclose your HSV status to sexual partners before physical intimacy. Legally, disclosure requirements vary by jurisdiction — some states have laws requiring disclosure of known STIs before sexual contact, while others do not have specific herpes disclosure laws. Regardless of legal requirements, disclosure builds trust, allows informed consent, and often strengthens relationships. On platforms like Oath, everyone shares the same diagnosis, so disclosure is already understood.

Question 30

What does herpes look like?

Accepted Answer

Herpes outbreaks typically appear as small clusters of fluid-filled blisters or sores on or around the mouth (oral herpes) or genitals (genital herpes). The blisters may break open, forming shallow ulcers that crust over and heal within 2-4 weeks. However, many people with herpes have mild symptoms that can be mistaken for other conditions like ingrown hairs, razor burn, yeast infections, or bug bites. Some people never have visible symptoms at all. A healthcare provider can diagnose herpes through visual examination or lab testing.

Question 31

Is MPWH legitimate?

Accepted Answer

MPWH (Meet People With Herpes) is a real dating platform that has been operating for several years. It is a legitimate website where HSV-positive people can create profiles and connect. However, user reviews are mixed regarding the quality of the experience, the size of the active user base, and the platform's privacy practices. As with any dating platform, research your options carefully and consider factors like privacy, matching technology, and user experience.

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