really confused??

we just found out that a family member contracted herpes. but i'm confused on how. she had oral sex with her partner that is prone to cold sores. although (i guess) it wasn't visible or he didnt have one at the time still passed the virus to my neice and now she has genital herpes. I don't understand, i get cold sores, my mother and grandmother, some friends also get them on occasion. i know that when i see my ob/gyn every yr this has never shown up on any test. and yes they do test for it. having children, i know this. i guess what i'm trying to ask is .... is my husband of 15 yrs at risk? or am i not getting the whole story. thank you Tweet