Herpesis a viral infection transmitted throughskincontact.
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HSV-1 vs. HSV-2 Transmission
Both HSV strains are primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
The greatest risk of transmission is during an outbreak (when an infected person haslesions).
However, transmission can occur between outbreaks when no symptoms are present through viral shedding.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Herpes Simplex Symptoms
HSV infections typically cause painful, fluid-filled blisters (lesions).
Symptoms of oral or genital herpes may only typically appear during an active outbreak.
Some outbreaks are mild or may not be noticeable for some people.
Between outbreaks, you often will have no symptoms.
In time, the blisters will leak the fluid and become open sores, which can be painful.
The frequency will differ from person to person.
However, they often are milder and occur less frequently over time.
Recurrent outbreaks may be triggered by emotional and physical factors such asstress, injury, ormenstruation.
What Causes Herpes Simplex?
Herpes simplex virus enters the body through the skin.
After the initial infection and symptom onset, the virus will have periods of inactivity.
However, the virus doesn’t go away.
It stays dormant in the body’s nerve cells.
During this time, you likely won’t experience symptoms.
Periodically, it can be reactivated and cause additional outbreaks.
There are more specific risk factors for genital herpes.
One reason is that genital herpes lesions allow HIV to enter the body more easily.
People who have HIV and HSV-2 are at a higher risk for transmitting HIV to others.
At-Home Tests
There areat-home teststo screen for herpes.
The risk of transmitting the infection to others is also reduced.
The virus is typically transmitted through skin-to-skin contact when lesions or blisters are present.
It can also be transmitted without any symptoms.
HSV can cause lesions and other symptoms in the mouth, genitals, or anal areas.
After an outbreak, the virus becomes inactive in the body.
It can be reactivated and cause additional, often milder outbreaks.
Testing and diagnosis include a physical exam, testing sample lesions, or getting a blood test.
A Word From Verywell
Herpes simplex virus infections are very common.
Despite this fact, there is a stigma associated with a herpes diagnosis.
If you are living with herpes, it’s possible to have a full life andfulfilling sexual relationships.
An oral herpes outbreak (or cold sores) will typically last for about two to three weeks.
An initial genital herpes outbreak may last between two to six weeks.Recurrent outbreaks may be shorter.
HSV may be able to survive on some surfaces, but not for a long time.
Researchers have found that HSV evades an immune response.
This process disruption doesn’t allow for the body’s immune cells to detect and fight the virus.
In turn, the virus remains in the body as a chronic infection.
Research has found that it’s possible to have HSV-1 and HSV-2 at the same time.
It’s also possible that each strain can cause symptoms simultaneously.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association.Cold sores: Signs and symptoms.
2019;38(6S):S60-S63.
doi:10.1097/INF.0000000000002325
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STI treatment guidelines, 2021: Genital herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Screening for genital herpes.
UpToDate.com.Treatment and prevention of herpes simplex virus pop in 1 in immunocompetent adolescents and adults.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Cold sore: Tips for managing.
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