HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause oral herpes infection, via contact with the HSV-1 virus in sores, saliva, and surfaces in or around the mouth. However, HSV-1 can also be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact to cause genital herpes.
What are the chances of passing on genital HSV-1?
According to a 2010 study conducted by Emily T. Martin and others, there is a high risk of herpes transmission during protected sex when one of the partners is herpes-positive. The probability reaches 50% to 70%. This is explained by the fact that Herpes is transmitted skin-to-skin or skin-to-mucosa.
Is HSV-1 on genitals permanent?
HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by a second type of herpes simplex virus, HSV-2. HSV-1 stays in your body, permanently, in an inactive state once youre infected.
Can you get HSV-1 in both 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.
What triggers an HSV-1 outbreak?
Basking in the sun is good, but scientists have proven that people with the HSV 1 virus cause an outbreak of it if they expose themselves to the sun for long. The ultra-violet rays from the sun activate the virus.
Do I have to disclose HSV-1?
And what you describe isnt unusual: Most adults have been exposed to oral herpes (HSV-1) and many of us do not remember having a cold sore. Oral-to-genital transmission in the absence of an outbreak is rare, so you dont need to share this bit of news with your future partners.
Do I have to tell someone I have HSV-1?
If you have close friends and the subject of herpes comes up in discussion, feel free to tell them about your HSV-1 or HSV-2 status if you feel comfortable. Just remember that you dont owe an explanation or confession to anyone youre not putting at risk of catching the virus from you.