Infection
The herpes simplex virus is transmitted from an infected person to a non-infected person. Herpes simplex virus-1 commonly causes cold sores, which are blisters around the mouth. Herpes simplex virus-2 is noted for sores or blisters around and on the genitals. Both can cause genital herpes, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and both reoccur, causing painful outbreaks. The virus travels through thin skin or a break in the skin from one person to the next, but a sore is not required for transmission. More than 500,000 people a year contract HSV-1, reports the American Academy of Dermatology.
Transmission
Kissing someone who has HSV-1 or HSV-2 is one way to contract the virus, but that person does not have to have a cold sore to shed the virus. The infected person can transmit the disease when there is viral shedding without sores. Antiviral medications can help to control outbreaks and reduce the risk shedding, but does not cure or prevent transmission.
Oral sex is another way to contract HSV-2 and, less commonly, HSV-1. Refraining from oral-genital contact during outbreaks helps to reduce transmission of the disease.
Having unprotected intercourse puts you at highest risk of contracting HSV-2. Sexual intercourse causes physical trauma to the thin tissue of the vagina and/or anus. Small tears in the skin allow viral entry. Anal sex is the most traumatic and therefore carries a higher risk. Intercourse should be avoided when outbreaks are obvious (blisters); however, transmission can occur when there are no noticeable signs.
Touching an infected area with active HSV-1 or HSV-2 can transmit the disease. For example, touching a cold sore, then rubbing your eye can transmit herpes to the intraocular cavity. Skin to skin contact includes non-penetrating sexual contact. For example, it is a myth that two female partners cannot transmit the disease to each other. Genital secretions can transmit the virus from one partner to the other. The same is true for men, though less likely. As with all modes of transmission, transmission is the highest during phases when blisters are visible.
Education and Prevention
Since there is no cure for herpes, education is the only method of prevention. Being knowledgeable about your sexual health history and your partner's is the first step. Just as important is knowing how to identify the disease, understanding how herpes is contracted and the risks involved. Those with herpes can prevent transmission by taking necessary precautions and informing their partners. Recognizing that condoms do not completely protect you from skin to skin contact helps you to further understand your risks and make an informed decision, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
