How long is a HSV-2 sore contagious?

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) sores, also known as genital herpes lesions or outbreaks, are considered contagious as long as they are present and until they have completely healed and scabbed over.

The virus is most easily transmitted when there are active sores or lesions, but it's important to note that HSV-2 can also be shed asymptomatically, meaning the virus can be present on the skin even in the absence of visible symptoms.

Here are some key points related to the contagiousness of HSV-2 sores:

Active Outbreaks: During an active outbreak, the risk of transmission is higher because the virus is actively replicating and shedding from the sores. Direct contact with the sores should be avoided, and preventive measures, such as using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity, can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Healing Process: As the sores begin to heal, the risk of transmission decreases. However, it's essential to continue practicing safe sex until the sores have completely healed and scabbed over.

Asymptomatic Shedding: Even when no visible sores are present, individuals with HSV-2 can still shed the virus asymptomatically. This means that transmission is possible even in the absence of obvious signs of infection.

Viral Shedding Duration: The duration of viral shedding can vary between individuals. Some people may shed the virus for a shorter duration, while others may shed it more frequently or for a longer period.

The first outbreak poses a higher risk

The first outbreak poses a higher risk due to the greater concentration of the virus in sores. Even after lesions resolve, the person remains contagious. Prodrome signs, fatigue, fever, and chills precede visible symptoms, making infected individuals infectious during various stages.

Shedding was considerably higher among individuals with primary infection (17.2%) compared with those with nonprimary infection (6.9%). Long-term shedding was uncommon.

Shedding, and thus transmission risk, decrease rapidly during the first year after infection. However, HSV shedding still occurs and therefore viral transmission can still occur, particularly because shedding occurs predominantly in the absence of symptoms.

The timing for resuming sexual activity after a first herpes outbreak can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the effectiveness of treatment, and individual healing rates.

70% of new cases of herpes are transmitted from someone showing no apparent symptoms

We know that up to 70% of new cases of herpes are transmitted from someone showing no apparent symptoms at the time they infect their partner. It is probably true that many people who have herpes do have symptomatic episodes when they give off virus but do not recognize them as herpes symptoms. We have thought for so long that all herpes is remarkable - that we would know for sure if an outbreak were occurring.

But now we know that isn't the case, and that herpes has multiple faces, many of them not easily recognized. The truth is that most genital herpes is mild and really easy to miss.

It's crucial for individuals with genital herpes to communicate openly with their sexual partners, especially during active outbreaks. Practicing safer sex, using barrier methods, and avoiding sexual activity during outbreaks can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Open communication establishes trust and ensures that both individuals can make informed decisions about their health and the relationship.

While navigating such conversations may be challenging, being forthright from the beginning is key to building a foundation of trust and understanding.

Some people will reject you when they find out you have herpes. You may know this is not about being pretty enough, cool enough, smart enough, fun enough, or sexy enough.

It’s about intimacy and security and what people expect from relationships. You can’t always avoid that rejection. Lots of people with herpes also choose to join online herpes dating site / app and date other people with herpes.

You can connect with other people with herpes who understand the challenges of herpes without the need for explanations or justifications. There is less anxiety about disclosing your herpes status, as everyone on the site is aware of the commonality of the condition.

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