Both herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) may cause genital herpes. However, HSV-2 generally causes genital herpes. You might have HSV-1, HSV-2 or both, and never know it. Some people show minimal signs or symptoms or even no signs whatsoever. Whenever symptoms are visible, they generally appear as one or possibly several blisters on or close to a person’s genitals or rectum.
Who Can Get Genital Herpes?
Within the U.S., 20% of people 12 and up have an HSV-2 infection. Of those, ninety percent are not aware that they have the herpes virus. Professionals presume 55% to 75% of adults are infected with oral herpes.
How Can Herpes Be Spread?
HSV-1 can spread person-to-person through kissing. HSV-1 can even be passed through oral sex from the mouth to the genitals becoming genital herpes. HSV-2 is spread by either anal or vaginal sex. HSV-2 can also be transferred from the genitals to the mouth.
What Tests Identify Herpes?
HSV 1 & 2 – IgG
HSV 1 & 2 – IgG is the preferred test for diagnosing Herpes. The herpes simplex virus produces antibodies that this test detects. The test can determine what type of herpes simplex virus you have, but won’t be able to point out definitively where the infection has manifested on the body. When you are asymptomatic, the length the virus has been present in one’s body can’t be established.
HSV Types 1 & 2 – IgM
The HSV Types 1 & 2 – IgM test will not show you which type of herpes simplex virus you have. But it can recognize the antibodies produced shortly after initial HSV contact. These antibodies appear about 1 week right after contracting the virus.
What Type of Sample Do You Need?
To find the specific antibodies, a blood sample is used.
Herpes Symptoms
- Genital herpes symptoms can differ; some people do not have any noticeable signs or symptoms.
- symptoms show up 2 to 20 days soon after initial contact
- if case is minor, could notice no symptoms
- men and women who’ve had facial herpes, or cold sores, can be somewhat immune to the virus and signs and symptoms are less severe
- visible blisters are occasionally obvious with the first attack
- can last 10 to 21 days
HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1)
HSV-1 usually infects the oral cavity. However, genital HSV-1 can be contracted through oral-to-genital contact with an HSV-1-infected person. Most HSV-1-infected men and women show no signs or minimal signs of having the virus. If a symptom does arise, it usually looks like an individual blister, or numerous blisters around or on the lips and mouth.
HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2)
HSV-2 generally infects the genitals of both men and women. However, HSV-2 might be contracted by genital-to-oral contact with an HSV-2-infected person. Genital HSV-2 infection is less common in men (one out of five) than women (one out of four).
You can contract herpes from an infected partner even though they don’t have a visible blister. Individuals with HSV-2 infections may never have sores and very mild signs of the virus. Sometimes, they mistake a mild blister as a skin condition or insect bite.
The sores turn up around the genitals or the rectum. These sores generally burst, leaving behind an ulcer. If this is the very first herpes outbreak, these ulcers generally take 2 to 4 weeks to go away. If infected, you can expect several episodes throughout the first year (4 to 5 weeks). The herpes simplex virus remains within the body. However, episodes diminish with time. For people with a suppressed immune system, herpes outbreaks may happen with greater frequency with herpes blisters that are more severe.
When utilized correctly, a latex condom can minimize the risk of acquiring herpes. But a condom does not guarantee protection when the infected region is not covered by the condom.
If sores or herpes symptoms are noticeable, the best way to not infect a partner is to entirely abstain from any sexual activity. An infected partner can still infect their sex partners even though they have no symptoms of HSV. So, HSV-infected men and women should advise their partners that they may become infected.
Female Herpes Outbreak
Signs and symptoms usually surface in just 2 to 20 days of becoming infected. Females with signs or symptoms have more frequent episodes throughout the first few years right after acquiring HSV. The breakouts will diminish in later years.
Male Herpes Outbreak
If transmitted by oral sex, an HSV infection may pass from the mouth to the genitals or the genitals to the mouth. HSV does not spread through toilet seats, swimming pools, hot tubs, or bath tubs.
