HSV-1 is spread through saliva. Kissing, using the same eating utensils, sharing personal items such as a razor , and receiving oral sex from someone who has HSV-1 can cause you to contract the virus. HSV-2 is sexually transmitted. Until recently, scientists assumed that HSV-1 infections were not sexually transmitted. Now, scientists know that either type can be found in either the oral or genital area, as well as at other sites.
In fact, researchers estimate that HSV-1 is responsible for up to half of all new cases of genital herpes. To infect people, HSV-1 and HSV-2 must get into the body through broken skin or a mucous membrane, such as inside the mouth or in the genital area.
In addition to the fluid from fever blisters, each virus can be carried in bodily fluids like saliva, semen, and fluid in the female genital tract. Both herpes viruses may cause genital infections, and both can be contagious even if the infected person does not have active symptoms or visible blisters. Also, a mother can pass the infection to her baby during vaginal birth, especially if there are active blisters around the vagina at the time of delivery. Everyone is at risk for oral herpes from HSV All sexually active people are at risk for genital herpes.
Having multiple sexual partners puts you at even greater risk. Women have a greater risk of being infected after sex with an unprotected partner than men do, about 1 in 4 women have HSV-2, compared to 1 in 8 men. There is also a very high prevalence and incidence of HSV-2 infection among adolescents, compared to the general population.
Often your doctor is able to make the diagnosis of herpes from examining you. Finally, there is a blood test that may help make a diagnosis, especially if your doctor suspects herpes but you do not have an active infection. There is no cure for herpes, so the goals of treatment are to reduce the number of outbreaks and to lessen symptoms when you do have an outbreak. Cold sores usually go away by themselves within 2 to 3 weeks, however, they can last for up to 6 weeks. Using medications may shorten the outbreak and decrease discomfort.
