What is the Herpes Simplex Infection?
Herpes simplex is a virus that causes the highly contagious sexually transmitted infection, genital herpes. Herpes simplex has two different types that spread herpes on a body.
The first type, called HSV-1 causes oral herpes. The symptoms of this type are most commonly cold sores. HSV-1 is not known to cause genital herpes.
The other type is HSV-2 which lives in nerves and when it is active it travels to the surface of the infected area and becomes contagious. It makes copies of itself that are easily spread to others in contact. This type of the herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes.
Herpes is very common among the United States. About 20% of people over the age of twelve years old have HSV-2, although most do not know they have it. Approximately 50-80% of adults have HSV-1 also.
How It Is Spread
The herpes simplex infection is most commonly spread when there is an outbreak, whether it is in the form of a cold sore or sores on the genital area. HSV-1 is spread through kissing, mainly. HSV-1 can also be spread through genital to genital touching as well. It is also known to be passed on through oral sex, when a person with HSV-1 performs oral sex on a person when having an outbreak the other person now has genital herpes.
HSV-2 is spread through oral and vaginal sex. It can pass from one genital to another and also from one person’s genitals to the other person’s mouth and that causes oral herpes. It is easy to spread the infection from one part of the body to another. Transmission can occur whether the person infected has symptoms or does not.
The first outbreak occurs for most people within two weeks of the transmission of the disease. Many symptoms can be present at this time. For some people symptoms are either absent or very mild that they do not realize that they have the infection.
Do Condoms Protect me from the Herpes Infection?
Actually herpes is also spread when there is or is not an outbreak because people may think that condoms fully protect them from getting or spreading it. Condoms are always a good idea to use, but do not fully protect the entire area that could infect someone else with the herpes simplex infection. Condoms reduce the risk of contracting it but do not eliminate it.
Herpes Is Easily Spread
If people are not aware that they have the herpes simplex infection it is easily spread that way. However, the infection is still spread to others when aware of the infection because people may think they are protected when there is no outbreak.
Herpes can be spread throughout your own body due to careless practices. If you or your partner carries the disease and you have had sexual intercourse or oral sex, it is possible to have the herpes spread.
It is always a good idea to use protection and be mindful of outbreaks and that the instance can occur that it can be contracted at any time. Knowing about the infection can help decrease the spread of it as well.
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Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/guide/genital-herpes-basics
http://health.discovery.com/encyclopedias/illnesses.html?chrome=None&article=326&page=1
http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_questions.cfm#4
Hello,
I have developed herpes whitlow (on my hand). I understand that if I am having an outbreak, I could spread this, especially during sex, but my question is: can I spread it when I am NOT having an outbreak? I am wanting to be responsible to my new partner (and honest with him), without scaring him. I am also concerned because if it is possible to spread it when not in an outbreak, how can I live responsibly without keeping my finger covered for the rest of my life?! I work as physical therapist too, which makes it even harder. I very much appreciate any information you can give me on this. I have had a very hard time finding a internet site to ask this question or any research on whitlow?
Thanks again,
Trudy
Since we’re not a medical site, we are unable to provide medical advice. Our best recommendation to you is to seek counsel from your health care professional. Since you ask an excellent question, our hope is to have informational articles about whitlow in the future. We certainly wish you a healthy future, Trudy.
I have had a herpes outbreak on my hand a few times and on my knee once as well as on my genitals and although I don’t have blisters on my buttocks, I can have extreme pain on the infected side of my bum and legs as well as in the genital area. Tell me I am not alone someone! I don’t have intercourse (his choice) with my husband and this is a great way to insure it doesn’t spread! I hope. Should I be more careful with toilet seats, etc?
You are not alone. This disease has wrecked my life. I was infected in 2005 and the sad part I saw the signs on him, but didn’t want to believe it was herpes, because I had known little about the disease. Since being infected and being unaware of how contagious I was, I have managed to spread it pratically all over my body. I am desvatated, my life has not been the same and what makes it worse is the fact that I have nowhere to go for help. The presciption medications don’t seem to work. I’m constantly having an outbreak somewhere on my body and fear that I may have spread it to other people. I don’t know what kind of future I’m going to have, don’t know if I could be with someone, have children. I feel like such an outcast and don’t want people to touch me. I go out of my way to not be touched. I feel like I could deal with this disease better if it hadn’t spread all over and turned me into a leper. I have come accept that the reason this might have happen to me is because the guy was married and I condoned my relationship with him, but it also feels like my punishment is way harsher than the crime. I pray everyday for a cure and solution to this illness. People are so unaware of it and how much it could affect you’re life.
Hi Lisa, thank you for sharing your your difficulties with us. You are not alone, either! I know you feel extremely isolated and miserable right now, but that feeling is not going to last. Sometimes we have to go through difficult times so that we are that much more equipped to help others. Have you considered volunteering for a teen counseling group? I think that some day you’ll be able to help many, many girls avoid going through the difficult place you are in now.
However, in order to help others, first you must help yourself. Of course, this is not a medical site, nothing here is to be construed as “medical advice”, and you should always consult your health care professional first. However, let’s take a look at what we know about herpes and get you started on the path to true wellness.
Herpes is simply a virus. As you know, once you contract this virus, it’s in your body for life – actually, all viruses are stored in your body for life. When you and your immune system are healthy, the virus stays dormant and you shouldn’t see any symptoms. You can live with it just fine.
It sounds like your particular case is quite extreme however. I would suspect this is a result of an immune system weakness – and perhaps some underlying feelings of guilt you have, or a feeling that you are being punished. I would encourage you to work through and release those feelings – the past is well, passed, and all we can do now is be gentle with our selves and love our selves in the present moment – and do everything in your power to optimize your immune system. Remember, when your immune system’s healthy, it can keep the virus in check and under control.
A few ways to optimize your immune system include a diet full of fresh, whole foods, and limited in processed, fast foods; a healthy intake of vitamin D (just 15 minutes of sunlight a day activates your immune system to make all the vitamin D it needs – or try a high quality supplement); you may also want to look at Viratrol, a natural nutrient formula that can boost your immune system fast. Many people have seen dramatic improvements, many in less than a week, when starting on Viratrol, and you don’t have to worry about side effects. Plus, customer service is top notch and will work with you if you need support, including a money back guarantee.
I would also suggest you look into the “Raindrop Technique” as practiced by certified essential oils massage therapists. Just search in your town, you should be able to get a treatment for under $100. This treatment is wonderful, about an hour long and not only reduces stress (a huge burden on the immune system) but focuses on the spine and any viruses held there. (Most viruses lay dormant at the base of the spine). You can make some amazing progress with this treatment, and again, it’s completely natural and a revitalizing healing experience.
I wish you the best, Lisa. My heart went out to you when I read your comment, and I hope your heart receives solace from reading mine! Take care.
Hello, I feel so sorry for people who have to live with herpes. My best friend has herpes and we are thinking about getting a two bedroom apartment together. The only room we will be sharing is the bathroom, and i read it cannot be transmitted on the toilet seat. But, by reading everyone’s commits im starting to have second thoughts. We are not doing anything sexual with each other, but can it spread if she touches me.
Hello, im having a few issues myself. i recently found out that i have genital herpes. this was shocking enough, now when i shower im scared to even go near the outbreak. Is it possible to touch the infected area and spread it to myself? i mean i showered today and conveniently touched my face after..”great”i thought, what if i spread it to my face, my eye!!!!..I dont know what to do! i have a drs. appt mon. but i just need a few ideas to ease my mind until then..Help!