How do people get herpes

Genital herpes can spread even if there are no sores because the virus is still in the body. The virus sometimes "sheds" in the skin near the genitals. When the virus is shedding, it can infect another person.

People with genital herpes need to tell recent, current, and future sex partners about their infection. Because someone may never have symptoms or may not have symptoms for months to years after infection, a current partner may not be the source of the infection. The only way to prevent genital herpes and other STDs is abstinence.

This means not having sex oral, vaginal, or anal. If someone decides to have sex, using a latex condom every time can prevent most STDs.

But condoms can't always prevent the spread of genital herpes. This is because the virus may be in the skin near the genitals and not covered by a condom. Genital herpes is a lifelong condition, but there are ways to manage it. If you have genital herpes:. Teens who are sexually active should get tested for STDs every year or more often if recommended by their health care provider. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Genital Herpes? Genital herpes Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Genital herpes Sores associated with genital herpes can be small red bumps, blisters or open sores. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Genital herpes: Can you get it from a toilet seat? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Genital herpes: CDC detailed fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Jan. Klausner JD, et al. Genital herpes.

New York, N. Albrecht MA. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus infection. Longo DL, et al. Herpes simplex virus infections. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.

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Most people get HSV-1 herpes simplex type 1 as an infant or child. This virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact with an adult who carries the virus. An adult does not have to have sores to spread the virus. A person usually gets HSV-2 herpes simplex type 2 through sexual contact. Some people are more likely to get HSV These people:.