Herpes is a common virus that can infect people through intimate contact. It can be spread through sores or by asymptomatic shedding. It can also be passed on through oral sex, so using protection is recommended.
Sexual transmission is the most common way to catch herpes. This can occur during vaginal, anal or oral sex. However, herpes can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and by sharing personal items.
Skin-to-skin contact
Many people infected with herpes do not have visible sores or symptoms. However, they can still pass the virus to a sexual partner when their skin is shedding. This is known as asymptomatic shedding and occurs in about 10 percent of all cases. In addition, herpes can be transmitted to a newborn during childbirth. This is more common if the mother has active sores at the time of delivery. However, daily suppression therapy can decrease the risk of infection for both mother and baby.
Kissing and direct contact with infected bodily fluids are also ways that herpes is spread. The virus can also be transmitted through indirect contact, such as sharing bed linens or towels, and by eating utensils or lip balm that are contaminated with the herpes virus. It is also possible to contract herpes through a cut or burn on the body.
It is important for people infected with herpes to tell their sex partners about their infection. This will not prevent sex, but it will reduce the likelihood of passing herpes to others. In addition, use of a latex condom during sex can significantly reduce the risk of herpes transmission. It is also possible to prevent the spread of genital herpes by taking medicines that suppress outbreaks and limit their severity. Finally, it is important to practice good hygiene by washing the genitals often and using a lubricant during sex.
Contact with infected bodily fluids
Herpes is transmitted by contact with another person’s bodily fluids, particularly saliva. It is also spread by touching an infected sore on the lips, mouth or genitals. The virus can also be spread when a sore is not present through indirect skin-to-skin contact with infected skin, or when it comes into contact with a mucous membrane like the anal opening or vaginal walls. The virus can also be transferred through the use of contaminated sex toys, which are commonly used for anal or oral sex.
If a person has genital herpes (HSV-2), the virus can be passed during anal, vaginal or oral sex and by kissing. Symptoms are usually not noticeable, but they can include sores or blisters that ooze and crust over, or swollen lymph nodes. People with genital herpes may have recurrent outbreaks over time. These outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe than the first one. Antiviral medicines can decrease how long the symptoms last or how often they occur.
The CDC recommends using barrier contraception during all sexual activity and always telling sex partners before beginning a relationship. Condoms and dental dams are available at most pharmacies and online. In addition, regular STI/STD testing can help reduce the risk of spreading herpes to others. People can find low-cost or free STI/STD testing locations by entering their zip code here.
Sharing personal items
Herpes is one of the most common infections worldwide, and it’s also one of the most stigmatised. Despite this, people living with herpes are able to have healthy relationships and live fulfilling lives. The virus doesn’t have a negative impact on fertility, and it can be treated with antiviral medicines. It’s important to know how herpes is transmitted so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Most cases of herpes are caused by the HSV-1 strain, which is spread through saliva. Kissing, using the same eating utensils, and sharing personal items like toothbrushes are the main ways herpes is transmitted. HSV-1 can also be spread through oral sex, which is why some cases of genital herpes are due to herpes in the mouth.
The herpes virus does not survive on hard surfaces, so it’s unlikely that you’ll get it from a toilet seat or another object. However, it’s possible to get herpes from a person who has an active outbreak. You can also get it from contact with mucous membranes or skin that has herpes blisters or sores. Taking herpes suppressing medications can reduce the risk of herpes transmission by 50%.
While herpes isn’t an STD, it can increase your risk of getting other infections. For example, it can triple your chances of contracting HIV, which is a much more dangerous infection.
Childbirth
When a woman has herpes, she can pass it to her baby during childbirth. The virus can be transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, contact with infected bodily fluids, or contact with objects or surfaces that are contaminated with herpes. This is not a common way to get herpes, but it does occur. Herpes can also be transmitted by kissing, hugging, or even touching the mouth or eyes of someone who has herpes. The herpes virus can also linger on the hands, which is why people with herpes should wash their hands frequently.
After a person has recovered from herpes, the virus lies dormant in the body for a long period of time. However, recurrent herpes infections can cause severe symptoms. Herpes is not typically transmissible from mother to infant, but the herpes virus can reactivate during childbirth. The virus is especially likely to reactivate during the third trimester of pregnancy, when HSV levels are highest. This is because the herpes antibodies transfer from the mother to her baby during delivery.
Babies are more likely to contract herpes during vaginal birth, but a herpes infection can also be passed through caesarean section. Neonatal herpes is extremely rare, but it can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis (brain infection) and keratitis (eye infection). It is important to inform your doctor about your herpes history before you become pregnant so that she can recommend treatment options for you.
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