HSV is a chronic infection, meaning that once you have contracted the virus, it remains in the body throughout your life and herpes recurrences might occur several times. This is because the virus hides in nerve paths and after an outbreak, the virus goes into a sleeping state. Later on, when the immune system is weakened, it will often recur. This makes the virus difficult to understand.
Avoid giving herpes to others
Genital herpes spreads through sexual contact with a person who has an active outbreak of HSV. As HSV also causes cold sores, small blisters around the mouth, HSV can spread from mouth to genitals and vice versa if a person has active herpes lesions. Herpes is therefore not contagious when it is in a latent state. During symptom free periods, the virus hides in the so-called nerve ganglia without harming the body – it is in a latent or sleeping state. Herpes spreads when the virus is suddenly ‘reactivated’ causing a recurrence. The fluid inside the blisters will then infect your partner. To prevent passing the infection on to others, it is important to monitor your genitals for any signs of an outbreak. If you have blisters or sores, it is important to ensure good hygiene, for instance by using towelettes and the like. It is also important to keep sores clean and dry and to wash hands after touching the affected area. Avoid picking the sores and do not share a towel with others. If you have an outbreak of genital herpes, contact your doctor to initiate anti-viral treatment. Before having sexual intercourse, it is recommended that you inform your partner about the situation, and that you use a condom.
It is possible to self-infect?
In other words, can a cold sore outbreak be transferred to the genitals or other parts of the body in the same person? The answer is yes. A sore or a cut in or around the genitals or in the skin which comes into contact with fluid from cold sore blisters can cause herpes in the area in question. This way, cold sores can cause herpes in fingers, a very painful condition known as Herpes Whitlow. It is therefore important to ensure good hygiene habits and to treat herpes outbreaks using for instance ointments or tablets.
What can I do to avoid getting herpes?
It is not possible to vaccinate against herpes, and no preventive methods exist. As many people are unaware that they have herpes, ensuring that your partner is not infected with herpes before sexual intercourse is difficult. It is therefore recommended to use a condom if you are unsure whether your partner is infected and to avoid sharing a towel with others.
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