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Introduction
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Herpes is a term used to describe a series of different herpes simplex viruses that cause sores on the mouth and genitals. Herpes can be divided into two main catagories, HSV-1 and HSV-2. The HSV-1 strain of herpes causes mostly sores of the mouth called cold sores. The HSV-2 strain of the virus is responsible for the outbreak of sores on the genitals (often referred to as genital herpes).
Active Sores
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One way that the virus spreads is through open active sores. Two to eight days after the virus has entered your system, the virus enters is primary stage. During this time blisters begin to appear either on or around the mouth, or on and around the genitals. These sores can leak a cloudy liquid upon bursting and turning into sores. Direct contact with this liquid can cause the virus to spread. This can happen either through sexual contact, or through intimate contact in which the body comes into direct contact with the sore. Wearing a condom can help reduce the chance of spreading the infection, but even wearing a condom may not cover up all the sores on the body.
Shedding
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The herpes virus can also be spread during the shedding stage. During this stage the virus begins to rapidly multiply in the nerve cells. As its numbers build up, it can make its way into the body fluids such as semen, saliva, and vaginal fluids. The introduction of these fluids into a new host can quickly spread the virus. This is why sexual contact is the primary method of transmission of the HSV-2 virus that causes genital herpes.
Mother to Baby
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Herpes can also be spread from mother to baby during birth. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, if you have herpes, or have recently had sex with someone who is infected with the virus, you should inform your doctor. If you are in the shedding stage of the virus, or if you currently have open sores on the vaginal area, you could potentially spread the virus to your baby.
eHow Article: How Can I Get Herpes?
