You can spread herpes to other parts of your body if you touch a herpes sore and then touch your mouth, genitals, or eyes without washing your hands first. You can also pass herpes to someone else this way.

Can you get HSV-1 in two places?

It is rare to get the same type of herpes on two different areas of the body. This means that if you have HSV-1 on the mouth, you should not get HSV-1 on the genitals. When you are exposed to herpes, your body starts to form antibodies that will protect you if you are exposed to this type of herpes again.

Can I get HSV-1 genitally if I already have it orally?

HSV-1 can be transmitted from oral or skin surfaces that appear normal and when there are no symptoms present. However, the greatest risk of transmission is when there are active sores. Individuals who already have HSV-1 oral herpes infection are unlikely to be subsequently infected with HSV-1 in the genital area.

Can cold sores spread to other parts of your body?

A person can spread the virus to someone else a few days before the sore appears until the sore is completely healed. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body.

Does HSV-1 stay in your body?

Yes. Genital herpes symptoms can come and go, but the virus stays inside your body even after all signs of the infection have gone away. The virus becomes active from time to time, leading to an outbreak. Some people have outbreaks only once or twice.

How long does it take for HSV-1 to show up?

The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 4 days (range, 2 to 12) after exposure. The vesicles break and leave painful ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal after the initial herpes infection. Experiencing these symptoms is referred to as having a first herpes “outbreak” or episode.

Can you spread cold sores if not active?

Cold sores are contagious from the moment you feel that first tingling until the scar completely disappears, a process that usually takes about 15 days. The Mayo Clinic notes that cold sores are most contagious when oozing blisters are present, but you can still transmit the virus even if there is no active sore.

Can you have HSV-1 and never have an outbreak?

Exposure to HSV is very common. Thats right…that good-looking guy youve been flirting with has about a 50% chance of having HSV-1! Most people however are unaware that they have been exposed, because theyve never noticed an outbreak. Its not until patients are tested that they learn they have HSV.

Can I give someone a cold sore if I dont have one?

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is very contagious. You can spread the virus even when you dont have any symptoms of a cold sore, though youre usually most contagious when you have them.

Can you ever get rid of HSV-1?

Currently, there is no cure. Most people with herpes do not show symptoms, but the infection can also cause painful ulcers and blisters. Those without symptoms can still pass the infection on to others. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) typically causes oral herpes, but may also cause genital herpes .

What happens if HSV-1 is left untreated?

What happens if herpes is not treated? Herpes can be painful, but it generally does not cause serious health problems like other STDs can. Without treatment, you might continue to have regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while.