It also discusses herpes prevention and treatment.
Your Partner Became More Infectious
The herpes virus is also more infectious at certain times than others.
When viral shedding is low, so too is the risk of transmission.
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This is when you touch a cold sore and then touch your genitals (or vice versa).
Although this is rare, it can occur.
For this reason, washing hands frequently is important if you have a herpes outbreak of any sort.
In this way, they can undergo testing and access treatment if needed.
It often helps if you and your partner speak with a healthcare provider together.
Herpes Prevention
As common as genital herpes is, it can be avoided.
Pre-relationship discussions like these aren’t meant to weed out potential partners.
If a partner does have herpes, steps can be taken to avoid passing the virus.
Herpes testing is currentlynotrecommended for asymptomatic people unless a sexual partner has been already diagnosed.
Summary
Having a first herpes outbreak doesn’t necessarily mean that you were recently infected.
Genital herpes is very common and often causes no symptoms when you are first exposed.
For some, symptoms may not develop until months or years after the initial infection.
It is also possible to get genital herpes if someone with a cold sore performs oral sex on you.
A herpes test can confirm if an infection has occurred.
Antiviral drugs can then be prescribed to help wipe the outbreak.
A herpes test is not recommended to screen potential partners for the disease.
you’re free to reduce the risk of herpes by consistently using condoms.
Even so, this does not completely eliminate the risk.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Genital Herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes: CDC fact sheet.
