How Herpes Simplex Virus 2 is Contracted

Overview

Herpes simplex virus 2 is responsible for genital herpes sores. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms of a herpes simplex virus 2 infection include sores that appear two weeks after the infection, followed by fever and swollen glands when the second round of sores appear. However, the CDC does note that some people do not have sores, or the symptoms are mild. Herpes simplex virus 2 is contracted through contact with an open lesion, and once herpes has been contracted, it cannot be cured.

Step 1

If genital contact is made with an infected person. Herpes simplex virus 2 is passed on through sexual intercourse, contagious from open sores, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Herpes never goes away and can become dormant and remain in the nerve tissue in between outbreaks. During this time, the risk of contracting and spreading herpes is still there. The National Institutes of Health recommend not having sex when there are open lesions and using a condom to reduce the risk for contracting herpes simplex virus 2.

Step 2

It can be transmitted from mother to child. While herpes cannot be spread to the child while it is still in the mother's uterus, the virus can be spread during birthing. According to the CDC, transmission of the virus to the baby can lead to a possibly fatal infection. The NIH warns that mothers with a herpes infection should not give vaginal birth. If the mother has an open sore or an active infection, doctors recommend a cesarean section instead. However, the CDC points out that a herpes infection from birth is rare.

Step 3

Herpes can spread through cross contamination. While herpes simplex virus 1 causes oral herpes, cross contamination can occur with both herpes simplex viruses in opposite areas. For example, oral contact with someone with a herpes simplex virus 2 infection in the genital region can cause a herpes simplex virus 2 infection on the mouth. The same can happen with a herpes simplex virus 1 cross contamination.