Herpes Simplex is unfortunately very easy to catch. Usually
it spreads via close skin contact, typically kissing or sexual
activity. This article covers the ways in which Herpes Simplex can be caught and precautions and treatment options for those with the virus.

Herpes Simplex is a virus and the two most common types are:

1. Herpes Simplex 1 - Oral Herpes - cold
   sores
2. Herpes Simplex 2 - Genital Herpes

Herpes Simplex 2 has also been known to cause Oral Herpes and vice
versa.

Oral Herpes (Herpes Simplex 1) is also known as cold sores,
which gives a pretty good indication of how easy it is to catch.
It has got nothing to do with having a cold, but like a
cold it is easy to catch, comes back again and again the rest of
your life and is very common. It is estimated that about 50-80 %
of the world's population has a Herpes virus but many don't even
know it.

The problem with Herpes is that it is a very resistant virus.

In
fact it never leaves your body again once you've caught it. But you
will not have a permanent outbreak, most of the time you won't be
able to tell that you have Herpes. The only thing the Herpes virus
does is cause an outbreak, either as Oral herpes or Genital Herpes with varying frequency according to the individual and their circumstances.

The outbreak is a rash that turns into blisters which turns into
a dry scab. The whole process lasts less than a week. This can happen
again and again, typically with a pattern you'll learn to recognize or
it may happen very seldom. You might even never have an outbreak but
just carry the virus.

Herpes is most contagious when there is an outbreak.

But it is also quite
contagious just before an outbreak and can also be spread outside of the
outbreak period when the virus reproduces. This is know as the viral shedding period.

Tips for Herpes Simplex Patients and Their Families

Oral Herpes

• Do not kiss, or dry kiss anyone during an outbreak
• Do not engage in oral sex, or any other sexual activity that involves your mouth
• Wash your hands regularly
• Do not touch the affected area
• Use an antiviral Herpes treatment such as Zovirax or Vectavir
• Do not share drinks, food or anything else that touches your mouth then someone else's
• Do not share towels, face cloths etc

Genital Herpes

• Do not engage in sexual activity during an outbreak including oral sex
• Do not touch the affected area
• Wash your hands regularly
• See your doctor for an antiviral medication
• Do not share towels, wash cloths, etc

Related Links

• The Herpes treatment page
• Is there a cure for Herpes Simplex?
• How to prevent passing Herpes Simplex to others
• Should you see a doctor?
• Preventing Herpes Simplex outbreaks

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