How Do People Get Herpes?
Other People Are Reading
-
Types of Herpes
-
Herpes is transmitted through direct contact with a herpes carrier who is experiencing an outbreak. There are two main types of herpes: herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is referred to as oral herpes and usually presents itself in the form of a common cold sore on or in the mouth. HSV-2 is also called genital herpes and is commonly found on the genitals. It is important to understand that you can get herpes on the mouth or the genitals from either type of virus.
Sexual Intercourse
-
You can get herpes from engaging in both vaginal and anal sex. If you have intercourse with a person who has HSV-2 and is experiencing an outbreak, there is a very good chance you will contract the virus. Sometimes, the infected person does not realize that she is having an outbreak because she is not experiencing any symptoms.
Because is it possible to have HSV-1 on the genitals, it is possible to contract that strain through vaginal intercourse as well. However, the chances of spreading HSV-1 through genital-to-genital contact are relatively low. -
Oral Sex
-
If you perform oral sex on a person who has herpes on his genitals, you can get herpes. It does not matter which strain of the virus he is infected with, it can be transmitted to the mouth of the person performing the act. Likewise, if a person with oral herpes performs oral sex on someone while having an outbreak, she can spread the virus to that person's genitals.
Kissing
-
The most common way of spreading HSV-1 is through kissing. Many children contract this virus when infected adults kiss them on or near the mouth.
Birth
-
A mother who has an active outbreak of herpes on her genitals can spread the disease to her baby during birth. When a baby contracts herpes in this way, it is referred to as neonatal herpes. The chances of giving a child herpes during birth varies according to the mother's particular infection. The likelihood of transmission is highest when the mother contracts the virus in the last trimester of her pregnancy.
Other Contact
-
Although it is rare, you can get herpes on other parts of your body if the virus comes in contact with an open cut or sore. For example, if you have an open cut on your finger and you touch an infected sore, you can get herpes on your finger (herpes whitlow).
-
