Title : How Likely Are You to Transmit Herpes?
link : How Likely Are You to Transmit Herpes?
How Likely Are You to Transmit Herpes?
Are cold sores contagious?
There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about cold sores. Once you get to know that these are symptoms of oral herpes, you start getting worried about how it might affect your life. However, it is worth mentioning that every 1 in 4 persons in the United States is affected with the herpes simplex virus. This means that the majority of adults in the country have herpes and there is nothing to be worried about it. Herpes isn't a big deal for most people having it.
What is herpes and how do you get it?
Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus is categorized by two types - HSV 1 and HSV 2 that are responsible for oral and genital herpes respectively. The virus can be transmitted through direct physical contact or body fluids such as saliva and sperm. It is worth noting that the infection is most contagious when a person has cold sores.
HSV 1 can be transmitted through kissing or oral sex, in addition to vaginal and anal sex. Sharing towels, toothbrushes and utensils with the infected person may also transmit the virus. The herpes infection can be asymptomatic in nature. This means that a person infected with the herpes simplex virus may never know that it is carrying the virus. On the other hand, if the infection is symptomatic, you might experience outbreaks that are characterized by blisters and cold sores, which are accompanies by burning and itching.
What triggers a herpes outbreak?
A herpes outbreak is usually triggered by changes to your immune system. Hormonal changes in the body as well as stress may also lead to a herpes outbreak. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight is also considered to be one of the culprits.
How can you avoid spreading the infection?
It is extremely difficult to prevent spreading asymptomatic herpes. On the other hand, if you happen to experience symptoms of herpes such as cold sores and blisters, it is advised that you do not touch any other person and abstain from exchanging body fluids. The herpes infection is very easy to spread. Therefore, it is essential that you follow adequate precautions while interacting with others.
Can you get genital herpes from oral herpes?
Having HSV-1 doesn't make you immune against HSV-2 and vice versa. An outbreak in one part of the body cannot stop it from spreading it to another part. You can transfer an oral infection to the genitals by touching your mouth or if you receive oral sex. However, this is not very common. According to statistics, only 10 percent of the population has herpes is infected with both the strands of the virus.
All in all, herpes is contagious regardless of whether or not you have any symptoms. As there is no cure for this, once you're infected, you have it forever.
Thus the article How Likely Are You to Transmit Herpes?
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