Herpes Doctor

Yes, Herpes Simplex is contagious. There are two types of Herpes
Simplex, Herpes Simplex 1 and 2. Herpes Simplex 1 usually
causes Oral Herpes - cold sores whereas Herpes Simplex
2 usually causes Genital Herpes. This article provides an overview of the risk factors of Herpes Simplex and advice on the treatment and precautionary measures you can take to minimize it.

Herpes Simplex is contracted via close skin contact. It is the mucus membranes of the mouth, vagina, penis, and anus
that the virus is shed from. The mucus membrane is a very thin
layer of tissue that covers a surface where a thick fluid
is produced.
Skin can be infected with Herpes Simplex virus if it is cut,
chafed, or burned, or has a rash or other sores.

Herpes Simplex 1 is caught from contact with the affected
mouth area. Kissing is a typical way of catching Herpes Simplex 1, also 'dry kisses'
between relatives which is how children usually get it. But Herpes
Simplex 1 has been known to spread with less direct contact than
kissing.

Herpes Simplex 2 is usually spread via sexual activity, not only
traditional intercourse. Oral sex is also a factor and may
cause Oral Herpes. The symptoms are usually seen around the genitals
but may occur anywhere between the knees and waist.

When is Herpes Simplex Most Contagious?

Herpes Simplex is mostly contagious when there is an outbreak, ie
visible symptoms. The outbreak starts as a rash that soon turns into
blisters which then turn into a dry scab. The entire process takes
less than a week, but the virus may be latent in the body for years without ever producing an outbreak.

Even when the virus is latent there is risk of passing it on. The virus
has a reproduction period known as the viral shedding period that is without symptoms and can spread during that period and the period just before
an outbreak.

Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to say when the virus is
reproducing, but patients often experience a tingling or itchiness prior to an
outbreak and most come to recognize the signs.

Minimizing the Risk of Passing Herpes Simplex

Apart from avoiding physical contact from the affected area when there
is an outbreak there are other precautions you should take to reduce
the risk of passing it to others. You should keep good hygiene standards:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Avoid touching the affected area
• Do not share drinks, food or towels
• Use antiviral treatments
• Do not engage in sexual activity

You can not cure Herpes Simplex, once caught, the virus stays
in your body, but the outbreaks can be kept at a minimum. Antiviral
agents can treat the outbreaks with good results.

Minimizing Outbreaks with Treatment

Oral Herpes - Cold Sores

For Oral Herpes you use a cream containing either Acyclovir or
Penciclovir. They are available over the counter in pharmacies under
the brand names Zovirax or Vectavir. You should still see a
doctor for diagnosis and advice if you suspect that you have
Oral Herpes.

Genital Herpes

For Genital Herpes you take tablets containing either:

• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Valacyclovir

They are available with a prescription from your doctor.

Antiviral treatments will reduce the amount and severity of outbreaks
as well as reduce risk of spreading.

Related Links

• The Herpes treatment page
• Oral Herpes - cold sore symptoms
• Preventing outbreaks of cold sores - Oral Herpes
• How do you avoid passing on Oral Herpes - cold sores?
• Genital Herpes symptoms
• Preventing outbreaks of Genital Herpes
• How do you avoid passing Genital Herpes to others?

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