What is HSV？
HSV, short for herpes simplex virus, also known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or sores. It is spread primarily through skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable, but not curable.
There are two types of HSV.
Type 1 (HSV-1) is spread mainly by oral contact and causes infections in or around the mouth (oral herpes or herpes labialis). It can also cause genital herpes. Most adults are infected with HSV-1.
Type 2 (HSV-2) is spread through sexual contact and causes genital herpes.
Most people have no or mild symptoms. The infection causes painful blisters or sores that can come back over time. Medications can reduce symptoms, but they do not cure the infection.
Recurrent symptoms of oral herpes and genital herpes can be painful. Genital herpes can also be stigmatizing and interfere with sexual relationships.
Can I get HSV from kissing someone?
Herpes can be contracted by skin-to-skin contact with a person infected with the virus or by contact with their saliva. Therefore, you can also get herpes from kissing. Although the virus can be spread when there are no symptoms, it is more likely to be spread during a herpes outbreak.
Can you sleep with someone with HSV and not get it?
While no prevention method short of abstinence is 100% effective, using a latex condom offers some protection. Your partner should tell you when symptoms flare up, which is when the virus is most contagious. Avoid having vaginal, anal, or oral sex when your partner has symptoms.
How do I protect my partner from HSV?
Herpes viruses are most likely to be transmitted during an outbreak, so it’s better to not have sex during this time. Herpes can also be passed on to others in symptom-free phases, though. This risk can be reduced considerably by using condoms. Talk openly with your partner about the disease.
How do I know if I have herpes?
The only way to know for sure if you have genital herpes is to get checked out by a doctor or nurse. The most common genital herpes symptoms in women is a cluster of blistery sores that show up on your vulva, cervix, or anus. Symptoms may last several weeks and go away. They may return in weeks, months, or years.
