Herpes can it spread

Genital herpes can spread even if there are no sores because the virus is still in the body. The virus sometimes "sheds" in the skin near the genitals. When the virus is shedding, it can infect another person.

People with genital herpes need to tell recent, current, and future sex partners about their infection. Because someone may never have symptoms or may not have symptoms for months to years after infection, a current partner may not be the source of the infection.

The only way to prevent genital herpes and other STDs is abstinence. This means not having sex oral, vaginal, or anal. If someone decides to have sex, using a latex condom every time can prevent most STDs. But condoms can't always prevent the spread of genital herpes.

This is because the virus may be in the skin near the genitals and not covered by a condom. Genital herpes is a lifelong condition, but there are ways to manage it. If you have genital herpes:. Teens who are sexually active should get tested for STDs every year or more often if recommended by their health care provider. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size.

What Is Genital Herpes? Herpes is a very manageable skin condition and does not cause any damage to internal organs. People with herpes have very normal romantic and sexual relationships. After diagnosis, you may feel like your life may never be the same again but you will feel better soon. Understanding Herpes with H.

Herpes: Fast Facts A brief overview answering common questions about herpes—how common it is, symptoms, testing, treatment, and more. Read more. Initial infection often accompanied by fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes. Blisters go away, but infection is still in the body. Blisters can return periodically, but usually with shorter duration and less severity.

If you think you have been exposed or show signs of herpes infection, see your health care provider. Transmission Genital herpes is spread through: Vaginal sex Oral sex Anal sex Contact with infected person's lesions Infected mother to newborn Herpes can also be spread from one area of the body to another via contact with or touching an infected area. Complications Genital herpes can: Spread to sex partners.

Cause recurrent painful outbreaks. Genital herpes and pregnancy: Most pregnant women with recurrent genital herpes deliver normal infants. Newborn may acquire infection from mother during delivery. Infection in newborn may cause death, or severe damage to the brain, lungs and liver. Risk is highest for infants born to mothers who have first episode of genital herpes during pregnancy.

Prevention Recommendations to reduce transmission: Avoiding vaginal, oral or anal sex is the best way to prevent STDs. Condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of genital herpes only when the infected areas are covered or protected by the condom.