How is the Herpes Virus Spread?

Herpes is most easily spread when a sore is present, but, it is also often spread at other times too. Some people notice itching, tingling or other sensations before they see anything on their skin. These are called "Prodromal Symptoms" and they warn that the virus may be present on the skin. Herpes is most likely to be spread from the time these first symptoms are noticed until the area is completely healed and the skin looks normal again. Any contact with the infected area is not recommended during this time. One kind of complication involves spreading the virus from the location of an outbreak to other places on the body by touching the sores. The fingers, eyes, and other body areas can accidentally become infected in this way. Preventing self-infection is simple. Do not touch the area during an outbreak. If you do, wash your hands as soon as possible with soap and warm water. This will help prevent the virus from spreading further. The spreading of genital herpes through inanimate objects, such as soap, towels, clothing, bed sheets, toilet seats, and spa surfaces is highly unlikely because the genital herpes virus cannot live very long outside of the body. Herpes is not spread through vaginal fluids, blood or semen, or like a flu virus that you can get through the air. People who experience an episode of herpes, either facial or genital, should consider themselves infectious from the start of the episode up until the healing of the last ulcer. In summary, the Herpes Virus can be spread by: Touching an infected area. Skin-to-skin contact with the infected area can transmit Herpes Simplex 1 and Herpes Simplex 2. Kissing someone if you have a cold sore can transfer the virus and the person you kiss can then contract herpes in the area kissed. Any type of sexual contact with an infected area. For example, if you have a cold sore and put your mouth on a partner's genitals (oral sex), the partner can be infected with genital herpes. Consequently, oral sex should be avoided if one partner has a facial herpes attack. Occasionally, one partner in a long-term relationship may develop symptoms of herpes for the first time. Often this is due to one or both of the partners being carriers of the Herpes Virus and not knowing it. From mother to baby during pregnancy or at birth.

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More Herpes Information:

What is Herpes? How is the Herpes Virus Spread? Am I infected with the Herpes Virus? Herpes Simplex Diagnosis & Testing Herpes Virus Symptoms Identifying Your Herpes Virus Type Herpes Virus Treatment How can contracting Herpes be prevented? Conditions confused with the Herpes Virus

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