How can herpes be transmitted

However, HSV-1 can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact to cause genital herpes. The reason the number of existing cases is so high is because there is no cure for herpes. In the region of the Americas there were around 2. HSV-1 is mainly spread by oral to oral contact to cause infection in or around the mouth oral herpes. HSV-2 is almost exclusively sexually spread, through contact with genital surfaces, skin, sores or fluids of someone infected with the virus, causing infection in the genital or anal area genital herpes.

However, HSV-1 can also be spread to the genital area through oral-genital contact to cause genital herpes. Herpes infections are most contagious when symptoms are present but can still be spread to others in the absence of symptoms. In rare circumstances, genital herpes can be spread from a mother to her infant during birth.

Currently there is no cure or vaccines for herpes. Condoms help reduce the chances of infection but do not eliminate it completely, because outbreaks of genital herpes can occur in areas not covered by a condom.

Condom use is still advisable as they can prevent other sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. It is important to avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy. A first episode during pregnancy can create a greater risk of transmission to a newborn. Fortunately, it is rare for women with genital herpes to infect their babies.

If you know that you have genital herpes before becoming pregnant, your physician will monitor your condition throughout your pregnancy. If you have an active outbreak at the time of delivery, a C-section may be recommended. Depending on individual diagnosis, though, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorses suppressive therapy to reduce the frequency of C-section. Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella zoster virus VZV , which causes chickenpox earlier in life.

The natural history of varicella zoster infection is similar to genital herpes infection in that VZV also becomes latent in the sensory nerve roots. Later in life the virus may exit, causing shingles. Recurrences in shingles cause blister lesions in a single area of skin called a dermatome. Shingles is not a sexually transmitted infection and is independent from genital herpes.

Herpes and HIV are caused by different viruses. But patients infected with these viruses are more likely to transmit either disease to their sexual partners.

Patients with herpes are more vulnerable to HIV infection. People newly diagnosed with herpes should be tested for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections. Patients who are infected with both herpes and HIV also may have a higher concentration of HIV viruses in their body because of the interaction between the herpes virus and the HIV virus. What You Need to Know Herpes simplex virus HSV , also known as genital herpes, is most likely to be spread when an infected person is having an outbreak, but it can also be transmitted without any symptoms being present.

Genital Herpes Overview In the United States, about 1 in every 6 people ages 14 to 49 have genital herpes. What are the different types of herpes? What causes genital herpes? Where does the herpes virus live in the body? How common is genital herpes? What does genital herpes look like? You can also have the following symptoms: Blisters on the mouth or lips Fever, headache or pain in the joints Trouble urinating The symptoms of genital herpes often go away and come back as recurring outbreaks.

The following triggers can make outbreaks more likely to occur: Viral or bacterial infections Menstrual periods Stress Recurrent genital herpes is most common in the first year after the initial infection and decreases as time goes on.

How does genital herpes spread? You can also: Inform your sexual partner that you have genital herpes. Use a condom every time you have sex. Symptoms clear up on their own but can come back. Call a sexual health clinic if you need help or advice. Only go to a clinic if you've been told to.

Find sexual health clinic contact details. Go even if you have not had sex for a long time, as blisters can take months or years to appear. You can see a GP, but they'll probably refer you to a sexual health clinic if they think you might have genital herpes.

Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment. They'll often get test results quicker than GP practices and you do not have to pay a prescription fee for treatment. Find a sexual health clinic. Symptoms might not appear for weeks or even years after you're infected with the herpes virus. If you have genital herpes, your previous sexual partners should get tested. The doctor or nurse at the clinic can discuss this with you and help you tell your partners without letting them know it's you who has the virus.

Visit our Ask the Experts page to learn how. Skip to content. It is estimated that 1 out of 6 people have genital herpes. Herpes can only be passed through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area such as kissing, oral sex, genital-to-genital rubbing, vaginal, and anal sex.