Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Herpesis a viral infection transmitted throughskincontact. The two most common strains, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), cause oral herpes (cold sores) andgenital herpesinfections.Between 50% and 80% of people in the United States have HSV-1, and almost 12% of people between the ages of 14 and 49 have an HSV-2 infection.
Read on for more information on both herpes simplex viruses, including transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
belchonock / Getty Images
Types of Herpes Simplex
There are two types of HSV strains:
While each strain does commonly cause an infection on a particular part of the body, it is possible for either to infect the mouth, genitals, or anal areas.Both cause chronic (lifelong) infections.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
HSV-1 vs. HSV-2 Transmission
Both HSV strains are primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Contact with saliva or genital fluids may also transmit the virus, as follows:
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.
Herpes Simplex Symptoms
HSV infections typically cause painful, fluid-filled blisters (lesions). They appear on or around the lips with oral herpes, or around the genitals or rectum with genital herpes.
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.
During an Outbreak
Initial outbreaks can occur betweentwo and 12 days after exposure and tend to have more severe symptoms.
For either oral herpes or genital herpes, initial outbreak symptoms may include flu-like symptoms such as:
Other oral symptoms can include:
Other genital symptoms may include:
How to Tell Your Partner You Have Genital Herpes
Recurrent Outbreaks
After the initial outbreak, subsequent outbreaks can occur for some people. The frequency will differ from person to person. However, they often are milder and occur less frequently over time.
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.
Risk Factors and Complications
Many people are exposed to HSV-1 as children, often between the ages of 6 months and 3 years old.
There are more specific risk factors for genital herpes. You may be at a higher risk if you:
HIV and HSV-2Having HSV-2 can increase the risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 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. Having both viruses can increase the amount of HIV in your blood and the viral shedding that occurs with HSV-2.
HIV and HSV-2
Having HSV-2 can increase the risk of contracting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 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. Having both viruses can increase the amount of HIV in your blood and the viral shedding that occurs with HSV-2.
With either strain of herpes simplex, there are a number of potential complications:
Living With Herpes
Diagnosing Herpes Simplex
Being screened for HSV without symptoms is not recommended for everyone. If you have suspected exposure, other STI symptoms, or have had multiple sex partners (particularly in the case of genital herpes), it may be beneficial.
At-Home Tests
Herpes Simplex Treatment and Management
Herpes simplex infections can’t be cured, but treatments are available to reduce the number and length of outbreaks. The risk of transmitting the infection to others is also reduced.
Daily antiviral medications, such asacyclovir,valacyclovir, andfamciclovir, may be prescribed.During an outbreak, self-care strategies can also help manage pain and discomfort.
For an oral herpes outbreak featuringcold soresor blisters around the mouth, do the following:
Self-care for a genital herpes outbreak may include:
Herpes Vaccine Development: Priorities and Progress
Summary
Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 cause lifelong oral and genital herpes infections. 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. There is no cure, but daily antiviral medication can reduce the risk of transmission to others, as well as the frequency and duration of outbreaks.
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. Having honest discussions with your partner(s) about your diagnosis, treatment, and ways to practice safer sex can help you both feel reassured.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHerpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which commonly causes oral herpes, is considered endemic (regularly found around the world). Globally, there are 3.6 billion people under the age of 50 living with HSV-1, compared to 491 million living with HSV-2.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. Getting oral herpes from sharing forks or other items may be possible.However, getting genital herpes from contact with items like a toilet seat or towels is not likely.Researchers have found that HSV evades an immune response. After the virus enters a cell, it interrupts the ability for the cell to bring the virus to the cell’s surface. 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.Yes. 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.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which commonly causes oral herpes, is considered endemic (regularly found around the world). Globally, there are 3.6 billion people under the age of 50 living with HSV-1, compared to 491 million living with HSV-2.
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. Getting oral herpes from sharing forks or other items may be possible.However, getting genital herpes from contact with items like a toilet seat or towels is not likely.
Researchers have found that HSV evades an immune response. After the virus enters a cell, it interrupts the ability for the cell to bring the virus to the cell’s surface. 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.
Yes. 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.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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