Table of Contents
Can you be exposed to HSV 2 and not get it?
Some people with the herpes virus are asymptomatic, which means that they don’t experience any physical symptoms of the disease. This doesn’t mean that they can’t spread the disease, however. Anyone who has the herpes virus, whether symptomatic or not, can spread the virus to others.
Can you be a carrier of HSV 2 and never have an outbreak?
Herpes (both oral & genital) can be spread even when there are no symptoms or sores. This is called asymptomatic shedding. Suppressive antiviral therapy significantly reduces asymptomatic shedding (and outbreaks).
How long can you have HSV 2 without knowing?
In some cases, a person with herpes may not experience any symptoms of the virus for many years. In other cases, the first symptoms can appear around 2–10 days after a person contracts the virus. The first outbreak of herpes can last for around 2–4 weeks .
When is HSV 2 contagious?
Individuals with genital HSV infection should abstain from sexual activity whilst experiencing symptoms of genital herpes. HSV-2 is most contagious during an outbreak of sores, but can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or visible.
How long does it take to get herpes after exposure?
The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 4 days (range, 2 to 12) after exposure. The vesicles break and leave painful ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal after the initial herpes infection. Experiencing these symptoms is referred to as having a first herpes “outbreak” or episode.
Does exposure to herpes mean you have it?
Exposure to HSV is very common. Most people however are unaware that they have been exposed, because they’ve never noticed an outbreak. It’s not until patients are tested that they learn they have HSV. Many people have been exposed to the virus, but are completely unaware.
Does having hsv1 protect you from HSV-2?
Several studies, however, have suggested that prior HSV-1 infection may provide partial protection against acquisition of HSV-2 infection, although the protective effect may be limited to women.