How Do You Get Herpes

Herpes is caused due to infection by herpes simplex virus. This virus has two virulent strains, viz. herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2). And depending upon the area of infection, herpes infection is of two types - oral herpes and genital herpes. Though the two viral strains can cause both these conditions, the majority of oral herpes cases result due to HSV1 infection. Likewise, HSV2 is the causal virus for maximum genital herpes conditions.

A major concern with herpes is that the virus can be transmitted to healthy individuals via direct contact with an infected person. Once infected, the virus has the ability to remain in the nerve roots for lifelong. People living with herpes simplex have to take precautions, as the virus may get activated under certain conditions. Thus, understanding the probable causes of herpes and how do you get herpes will help in minimizing the risk of this viral disease.

How Do You Get Herpes Simplex 1?

Also known as fever blisters or cold sores, oral herpes symptoms are observed in the mouth, lips, gums and adjacent areas. Approximately 50-80 percent Americans are infected with HSV1. Being diagnosed with herpes in mouth is a shocking news for all patients and they end up asking the doctor about 'how do you get oral herpes'. The following are the probable ways of transmitting HSV1.

• The most common reason for spreading herpes simplex virus 1 is mouth-to-mouth kissing with infected patients. The risk of transmitting cold sores is higher in the blister eruption stage.
• Direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area also transmits the herpes virus. Say for example, scratching of the sores in the mouth area with hand and touching other bodily areas will spread infection.
• Most adults who have oral herpes got infected in the childhood stage, which is mainly because of kissing and touching by infected family members and relatives.
• Cold sores caused by HSV2 can be spread, when a person indulges in oral or anal sex with a partner having genital herpes infection.

How Do You Get Herpes Simplex 2?

As mentioned already, genital herpes is mostly caused due to infection by HSV2. Considered as a sexually transmitted disease (STD), it is usually asymptomatic in the initial stages. Signs of genital herpes condition include itching, tingling and outbreaks of painful red bumps in the genital area. So, how do you get genital herpes? Listed below are some of the transmission routes for HSV2.

• Indulging in sexual intercourse during herpes outbreaks without using protective measures is the most common reason for spreading genital herpes.
• Genital herpes due to HSV1 can be caused after having oral sex with a person who has cold sores symptoms. However, this condition occurs rarely, less than 5 percent cases.
• As far as herpes in pregnancy is concerned, expecting mothers can spread HSV2 to their babies at the time of childbirth or after delivery. Women who have herpes infection for the first time are more likely to spread herpes virus to their babies.

A word of caution to prevent herpes infection is to avoid direct mouth kissing and sexual intercourse during the outbreaks of herpes symptoms. One should take immediate medical attention at the first sight of herpes signs, whether it is oral herpes or genital herpes. The physician will recommend antiviral medications for managing the symptoms and also, for herpes cure. Also, performing self care tips is crucial to prevent spreading the infection to other people.

With this information on how do you get herpes, I hope you have understood the routes for transmitting this chronic viral disease. No doubt herpes can be spread even if there are no noticeable symptoms in the carrier patient. But, chances of transmitting this infectious disease is higher when sores are present. For safety purpose, one should maintain personal hygiene and follow preventive measures to reduce the risk of herpes infection.