Herpes: How do You Catch it?

Posted April 19th, 2004 by jack

Herpes General

Herpes is very easy to catch. There are several types of Herpes and
the most common are:

This article will give you an overview of how each herpes virus is contracted.

Herpes Simplex

Herpes Simplex 1 is usually caught via close skin contact, for
example kissing. Herpes Simplex 2 is usually caught via sexual
activities. Herpes Simplex 1 causes Oral Herpes or cold sores and
Herpes Simplex 2 causes Genital Herpes. Both types of Herpes
have been known to transfer to other parts of the body and
also to be highly contagious. Both types
also result in repetitive outbreaks but may also be latent
for years.

Herpes is mainly contagious when there is an outbreak. However
the period just before is also a substantial risk period. It is also possible
to spread Herpes even if you have never had an outbreak although this is rarer.

Herpes Zoster

Varicella Herpes Zoster spreads via the humidity in
the air and
is very easy to catch. Sneezing is a typical way of spreading
Herpes Zoster. It causes chickenpox
in children and shingles in seniors, both of which usually result
in one outbreak per lifespan.

Once you have caught a Herpes virus it is for life. The body cannot
dispose of this virus and there is no cure for it. It is estimated
that 50-80 % of the world's population have a Herpes virus but many
don't even know it. This is one of the reasons Herpes spreads so
easily.

Preventing the Spread of Herpes

To prevent spreading Herpes it is important to keep good hygiene
standards. If you have Herpes you should:

Avoid sexual activity during an outbreak
Avoid touching the affected area when you have an outbreak
Wash your hands regularly
Hold your hands over your mouth when you sneeze
Do not share drinks, or food
Do not share towels or other similar items
Tell your partner that you have Herpes.

But most importantly you should SEE A DOCTOR for diagnosis, advice and
prescription medication. Antiviral treatment will lower the risk of
spreading Herpes.

Common Treatments for Herpes

For Oral Herpes you may use a cream containing either
Acyclovir or Penciclovir. The most common brands are Zovirax and Vectavir.
They are available without a prescription.

For Genital Herpes you should take either Acyclovir,
Famciclovir or Valacyclovir. They are all prescription drugs and your doctor will
decide which one is suitable for you.

Still Need Help?

Why not ask your question in our Public Q&A Forum? We'd be glad to hear from you and will try to help as best we can ;-)

Comments

Can you spread herpes on your face?

On February 13th, 2005 Anonymous says:

If a guy who is infected (but without a break out) kisses my cheek or forehead, will he pass herpes onto my face? Could he pass it onto my face with an outbreak?

can you catch herpes easily?

On March 24th, 2005 Anonymous says:

theres a girl in my school who has caught herpes and i was worried i might get it if she touches a door and then i touch it or something. is this true? can you catch herpes by hugging someone or by simply touching an object they have previosuly touched if they have or havent got a break out??

herpes

On April 20th, 2005 Anonymous says:

can a boy get herpes if he just kissed a girl that had a white bump on her lip and if he caught it would it start showing up 2 days later. thank u worried mom

today at a party this boy pou

On July 23rd, 2005 richiechase says:

today at a party this boy poured his beer into a glass and gave it to me, but before that he drank from the bottle that he was pouring from. i drank the beer in the glass that he poured it into. His lips did not touch the glass i drank from but the beer was from the bottle his lips were on.He was later telling me that he picks up hookers and now i'm nervous that i might have contracted herpes since its the only std that can be transmitted through saliva that i know of and since this person picks up prostitutes i got nervous. I was wondering if the beer would have enough alchohol to kill the virus or most stds?

Herpes Doctor