Exposure to HSV is very common. 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. Many people have been exposed to the virus, but are completely unaware.
If you do not have herpes, you can get infected if you come into contact with the herpes virus in: A herpes sore; Saliva (if your partner has an oral herpes infection) or genital secretions (if your partner has a genital herpes infection);
How likely is it to spread HSV 2 without an outbreak?
But it is still possible to spread the infection even when no ulcers are present. One study examined rates of genital herpes transmission in heterosexual couples when only one partner was initially infected [1]. Over one year, the virus was transmitted to the other partner in 10 percent of couples.
What are the odds of contracting HSV 2?
The chance of passing herpes while you have signs (sores) is about 20.1%. Thats twice as high as the chance of passing it when you dont have sores (10.2%).
How long can HSV-2 lie dormant?
How long can herpes go undetected? Once youve contracted HSV, there will be an incubation period — the time it takes from contracting the virus until the first symptom appears. The incubation period for HSV-1 and HSV-2 is the same: 2 to 12 days.