HSV-1 and HSV-2 are both spread by the transmission of infected fluids through skin-to-skin contact. You can get herpes when blisters are present and when sores are not present. [2] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Genital herpes is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) because fluid exchange during vaginal, anal, or oral sex is the primary mode of transmission. Oral herpes most commonly spreads through kissing, or sharing utensils or drinkware. It is estimated that one-in-six Americans age 14-49 have genital herpes. [3] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Oral herpes lesions, which typically form around or in the mouth, are often called “cold sores. ” These are not the same as canker sores, which only form inside the mouth and are not caused by HSV. After the initial outbreak, which usually occurs within several days of infection, the symptoms will disappear and recur, often with decreasing frequency and intensity. Flu-like symptoms can also accompany the lesions, especially during the initial outbreak.
Some people with herpes never display any symptoms, while many experience only mild, infrequent symptoms. Herpes should not be brushed aside as insignificant, however. Pregnant women with genital herpes, for example, run a greater risk of miscarriage and can spread neonatal herpes, which can occasionally prove deadly, to their unborn children. Pregnant women who have herpes may need to take an antiviral medication during pregnancy to prevent transmission. If you have a herpes outbreak during labor, then a cesarean section would be performed to prevent transmission to the baby. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Additionally, herpes skin lesions break and bleed more easily than healthy skin, making the spread of HIV during sexual activity more likely.
You can consider a reduced risk of contracting an STD as one benefit of engaging in long-term, monogamous sexual relationships. Of course, honesty within the monogamous relationship, and taking protective measures as needed, are important in preventing the transmission of herpes as well.
If you know you have herpes, consider it your responsibility to inform your partners, even if this means engaging in an awkward conversation. Likewise, take it upon yourself to ask your partners if they have or may have herpes. If you are concerned that you may have herpes, talk to your doctor about taking a simple blood test that can confirm or refute your suspicion. [9] X Research source Genital herpes can spread even when symptoms are not present, so it is best to err on the side of caution. If it is even remotely possible that you or your partner has herpes, assume it to be so and take protective measures. [10] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source In fact, the protective measures recommended for preventing herpes transmission are good habits under all circumstances.
The same principle holds true for avoiding kissing and sharing of utensils, drinkware, etc. , during breakouts of oral herpes. For more information specific to dealing with oral herpes, click over to How to Live with Herpes. During breakouts in particular, any skin-to-skin contact in the “risk area” carries an increased risk of transmission, as any minuscule crack or opening in the skin is enough of an open door for the virus to enter. For genital herpes, the risk area corresponds to the area of the body covered by a pair of boxer shorts. [12] X Research source
If you or your partner has or may have herpes, you should use a condom every time, regardless of whether one of you is symptomatic at the time. Remember, herpes can still be transmitted even without symptoms. [14] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source From opening the package to disposing of the used condom, proper technique and care to ensure proper coverage and avoid breakage or leakage is the key to preventing transmission. Consult How to Use a Condom for detailed instructions. To prevent the spread of herpes during oral sex, males should wear condoms and females should employ “dental dams,” which are essentially rectangular sheets of latex. These can be purchased as-is, or made by cutting open a male condom or even a latex glove. [15] X Research source
Clean items carefully and thoroughly with soap and warm water after every use, and especially before sharing them. Cover items with condoms or similar forms of protection.
Several antiviral medications are available to combat genital herpes. Talk to your doctor about which is right for you and when to take it. You may be advised to take the medication consistently, or only during breakouts. Remember, however, that none of these medications can cure herpes. [17] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source For more information on common herpes treatments, see How to Treat Herpes. A 2004 study in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that, in cases where one partner had genital herpes, the transmission rate was reduced from 4% to 0. 4% with the combination of: 1) abstaining from sex when symptomatic; 2) using a condom every time; and 3) taking the antiviral Valtrex daily. Therefore, with proper precautions taken, the transmission of genital herpes from an infected partner to a non-infected one can most often be prevented. The keys, as always when dealing with herpes, are honesty, abstinence during symptoms, and proper protection.
Newborns and immunocompromised are most at risk. Encephalitis is a serious brain infection that can be a result of herpes.
Some people with HSV-2 infection never have sores, or they have very mild symptoms that go unrecognized. If an infected person does not have any symptoms, he or she can still infect his or her sex partner(s).
Transmission from male to female is more common than from female to male, therefore genital herpes is more common in women. Symptoms and complications can be more severe in women than in men. Menstrual cycles can trigger outbreaks. It is important that women avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy. A newly acquired infection during late pregnancy poses a greater risk of transmission to the baby. Genital HSV can lead to potentially fatal infections in babies.
