How does Herpes Infection Spread?

Dr Priya Sharma

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), 6 years of experience

November 4, 2021 Lifestyle Diseases 1066 Views

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How does Herpes Infection Spread?

Herpes infections are highly contagious and can spread easily from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact or using common objects like utensils, toothbrushes. It also spreads through sexual contact.

HSV or the herpes simplex virus is responsible for causing Herpes infections.

Herpes is responsible for causing sores in the mouth and/or the genital areas. Herpes can be painful but usually does not cause any serious health conditions.

In this article, we will be discussing in detail the Herpes Infection and how it spreads.

What is Herpes Infection?
How does Herpes Infection Spread?
What are the types of Herpes infections?
What are the causes of Herpes Infection?
What are the risk factors that can lead to Herpes Infections?
What are the symptoms of Herpes Infection?
How to diagnose Herpes Infections?
What are the treatments for Herpes Infection?
What are the outcomes of Herpes Infection?
How to prevent Herpes Infection?
What are the complications of Herpes Infections?
Frequently asked questions ( FAQ’s) about Herpes infections

What is Herpes Infection?

Herpes infection is a viral infection that causes sores around the mouth or lips ( oral herpes ) or sores near the genitals or rectum region ( genital herpes ). It is caused by Herpesvirus ( HSV 1 or HSV 2 ). It spreads through oral secretions or sores via kissing or sharing common objects like toothbrushes, utensils or sexual intercourse, etc.

The sores or blisters in herpes infections can break and are painful. Treatments for herpes infections are aimed to reduce the pain and other symptoms and reduce the healing process duration. Medications are the main line of treatment.

How does Herpes Infection Spread?

The herpes viruses spread easily when they come in contact with exposed skin, or with the vagina, penis, anus, or mouth.
Herpes is known to be most contagious when the ulcers are either oozing or open. However, it is possible to get infected even when there are no ulcers present.
There is no risk of herpes infection through surfaces like bed sheets, toilet seats, or doorknobs.
The risk of herpes spread is higher from an infected male partner to a non-infected female rather than vice-versa.
The risk of spread of the herpes virus infection increases when one has multiple sex partners.
Not using condoms during sex increases the spread of herpes infection.
Pregnant women with genital herpes may spread the herpes infection to the baby.

Preventive therapy with antiviral drugs helps in curbing the spread of herpes infection.

( Know more about- What is Genital Herpes? Causes of Genital herpes? )

HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type-1) can spread by:

Kissing can spread herpes infection.
Eating from the same spoon or utensils can lead to the spread of the infection.
Sharing lipstick with an infected person can cause herpes infection to you.
Oral sex with a partner having cold sores can lead to genital herpes from HSV1.

HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus type-2) can spread by:

Any form of sexual contact with a person infected with HSV-2 can spread herpes infection.
Oral, vaginal, or anal sex with a partner having a herpes infection can lead to the spread of the disease.
Having multiple sex partners can increase the chances of getting infected by the herpes virus.
Having a weak immune system can also lead to a higher chance of spread of the herpes infection.

( Know more about- What is a Condom? Types, Uses, and Benefits )

What are the types of Herpes Infections?

Herpes is a very common type of viral infection. It is caused by the following types of viruses:

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1): It is generally responsible for causing cold sores or blisters around the mouth region.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2): This type of virus usually leads to the formation of sores on the genital region.
Herpes zoster: This virus causes shingles (a painful and burning skin rash) and chickenpox.

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What are the causes of Herpes Infection?

The various causes of herpes infection are:

Herpes infection spreads from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact and is highly contagious.
Touching or kissing is the main cause of HSV 1 transmission, whereas, sexual contact (oral, vaginal, or anal sex) is the main cause of HSV 2 transmission.
If a healthy person shares personal items like toothbrushes, utensils, spoons, etc. with an infected person, then he/she may also get infected.
Herpes infection can also spread through the eyes.
This infection can spread by touching the mouth sores of an infected person.
Having sex without protection can lead to herpes infection of the genitals.

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What are the risk factors that can lead to Herpes Infections?

Herpes virus can be present latent and herpes infection symptoms or attacks can occur under the following conditions-

Fatigue or tiredness due to underlying health conditions
General prolonged illness
If the patient is under stress ( physical or emotional)
Immunocompromised individuals (undergoing chemotherapy, have AIDS, taking medications or steroid therapy)
Menstruation ( during the periods time in females)
Trauma associated with genitals
Fever
Sunburn or prolonged exposure to the sun

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What are the symptoms of Herpes Infection?

The symptoms of herpes infection may vary from person to person depending on the type of herpes virus that they are infected by.

Some of the commonly seen symptoms of herpes infection include:

Itching, tingling, or burning of the skin (usually the first sign of herpes infection)
Blisters or sores seen on the skin between 2 to 20 days after contact with a herpes-infected person, and lasting for about 7 to 10 days
Fluid-filled painful blisters
Fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms
Swollen lymph nodes
Muscle pain
Pain on urination or inability to empty the bladder completely
Eye infection (called herpes keratitis)
Headache
Fatigue
Loss of appetite

( Know more about- What is Blood in Urine ( Hematuria ) ? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment )

Apart from herpes infection, blood in urine may be associated with certain drugs, strenuous exercises, uterine problems, bladder cancer, prostate disorders, etc. In case the patient has prostate disorders like prostate hyperplasia or prostate tumor that causes severe abdominal pain, blood in urine, the patient is advised to get Prostate Surgery done. There are many renowned hospitals and doctors in India where Prostate Surgery is done with great expertise.

How to diagnose Herpes Infections?

Diagnosis of herpes infections is done by following methods-

Physical examination- Here the doctor does a thorough physical examination, checks the mouth, lips and genital areas for sores. Doctors may ask questions about the symptoms and a detailed medical history, to identify the cause and type of viral infection.
HSV testing- Also known as herpes culture test, here the doctor takes a swab sample of the fluid from the blister or sores present in the oral cavity or genitals and sends it for lab tests. This is to identify the virus causing the infections.
Blood tests- This is done to find the presence of antibodies ( against HSV-1 and HSV-2 ). This helps to identify the infections in patients who don’t have any sores or blisters.

What are the treatments for Herpes Infection?

There is no specific treatment for herpes. The sores are often clear without any treatment.

For the treatment of herpes infection, the doctor may prescribe a dose of some antiviral medicines. It helps in minimizing the infection and curing the blisters on the skin. There are antiviral medicines to reduce the infection, such as Famciclovir (Famvir), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), Acyclovir(Zovirax), Cloviderm, Aciherpin, etc.
An antiviral ointment or cream can help in relieving the burning, itching or tingling sensation on the skin.
One should maintain good oral and genital hygiene if infected by the herpes infection.
One should wear loose, comfortable clothes to prevent any irritation to the sores when infected by genital herpes.

This infection does not have a vigorous treatment and it resolves in some time.

( Know more about- What are the symptoms of Sexually Transmitted Diseases? )

What are the outcomes of Herpes Infection?

The first (primary) outbreak of herpes simplex is often the worst although not all first outbreaks are severe. Some are so mild that the infected person does not even notice it. Due to this, when the first outbreak of genital herpes is mild and another outbreak happens years later, the person can mistake it for the first outbreak.

Some people only have one outbreak. For others, the virus can become active again. Recurrences tend to be more common during the first year of infection. Over time, the outbreaks tend to become less frequent and milder. This is due to the development of antibodies (defenses) by the body against the virus.

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How to prevent Herpes Infection Spread?

Since there is no specific cure for Herpes Infection, it is better to prevent contracting the virus or prevent the spread of the infection to another person if you get it.

The steps to follow to prevent the spread of herpes infection-

People who are diagnosed with herpes infection must avoid any physical contact with other people.
Do Not share objects like utensils, toothbrushes, towels, clothes, cosmetics, lip balm, etc as these items can easily carry and pass the herpes virus from infected to a healthy person.
One must avoid any form of sexual activity with the partner if diagnosed with or have symptoms of herpes infections, till the doctor advises.
Patients undergoing the treatment must follow proper hygiene guidelines, must wash hands regularly, apply any ointments or medicines to the sores using clean cotton swabs only.
Pregnant women diagnosed with herpes infection can prevent spreading the infection to the unborn child by strictly taking the prescribed medications.

The steps to follow to prevent getting herpes infections-

Get regular tests done for any Sexually Transmitted Diseases ( STI’s).
HPV vaccines can be taken to prevent getting certain strains of the herpes virus that can cause cancer.
Follow safe sexual practices- using condoms, using dental dams or condoms for oral sex, alert the sexual partner(s) if you develop any symptoms of the herpes infection, etc.
Follow good hygiene practices ( regular washing of hands, keeping the mouth and genital area clean)

( Know more about- What is HPV Vaccination and how does it prevent cervical cancer? )

What are the complications of Herpes Infections?

Complications caused by the herpes virus are mostly seen in patients having weak immune systems. Cancer ( mouth, cervical, penis, vagina, vulva, anus) is the most serious complication of herpes infection. It takes years to develop cancer after the herpes infection and is associated with only certain strains of herpes virus. It is important to get regular screening tests for cancer prevention ( specifically in patients who have or had herpes infections in the past).

Other complications of Herpes infections are-

Rectal ( part of large intestine ) inflammation. This happens more often in males.
Meningitis ( of brain and spinal fluid ), in rare cases where the viral infection spreads to brain and spinal fluid.
Urinary tract infections
Urinary bladder inflammation and other associated problems

( Know more about- What is Urinary bladder cancer treatment? )

Getting Sexually Transmitted infections easily, through herpes sores or blisters.
New born children ( where viral infections has spread from infected mother to the fetus in womb) may have serious complications like blindness, severe brain damage and death (in worst cases if proper medications are not taken by the infected mother while she is pregnant )

( Know more about- What is Cervical cancer? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment)

Frequently asked questions ( FAQ’s) about Herpes infections

Q. Does Herpes Infections have very serious complications?

Serious complications rarely occur in healthy people with herpes simplex. However, serious complications occur most often in newborns and people who have had a long-term illness or have a weak immune system. If you are suffering from cancer, HIV AIDS, or have had an organ transplant, seek medical help as soon as you notice any signs or symptoms of herpes infection.

Is there a link between HIV AIDS and Herpes infections?

There is known to be a direct link between HIV infection and herpes infection. Those people with a herpes infection are more likely to get HIV infection if proper sexual hygiene and conduct are not maintained. Also, those people who are already suffering from HIV can get a more severe and painful case of herpes infection.

Does herpes infections hurt?

The first time a person gets herpes infections, the sores are very painful. The blisters break and leave painful ulcers that heal in 2-4 weeks time.

Can people with herpes infections live a normal life?

Yes, people with herpes infections can live a normal healthy life and have relationships. One must follow steps to prevent recurrence or spread of herpes infections to the partner.

Does herpes infection reduce life span?

No. Although serious complications with herpes infections are rare, it may affect sexual, emotional and social life. If proper precautions are taken and medications are followed as prescribed, one can lead a long and happy life. Having genital herpes increases the risk of HIV AIDS or cervical cancers, etc, but otherwise the condition does not reduce life span.

We hope we have answered all your questions about Herpes infections and How do Herpes Infections Spread, through this article.

If you want to get more information and treatment for Herpes Infection, then contact a General Physician immediately.

We only aim to give you information through this article and do not recommend any medication or treatment in any way. Only a qualified doctor can give you good advice and the correct treatment plan.