Herpes

Fact sheet about herpes

What is herpes?

Herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by two strains of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. 

Type 1 (HSV-1) mainly spreads through oral contact with an infected person and leads to visible infections on or around the mouth. These are often called cold sores or oral herpes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of Americans aged 14 to 49 are estimated to have HSV-1. Most people with oral herpes get it during childhood or young adulthood from non-sexual contact with saliva. Oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can spread from someone’s mouth to another person’s genitals through oral sex; when this happens, it can cause genital sores.

Type 2 (HSV-2) spreads most often through sexual contact and can cause an infection that can lead to painful genital sores.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are highly contagious when sores are present, but they can also be spread even when there are no symptoms or visible signs.

There is no cure for herpes; however, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Most people with herpes have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. Because of this, most people do not know they have a herpes infection.

How does herpes spread?

• Herpes spreads through oral or sexual contact. It is most commonly spread through unprotected sex, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, with someone who has the infection
• A pregnant person with herpes can pass the herpes infection to their baby during childbirth
• Herpes can also be contracted through contact with:
  • A herpes sore
  • Saliva (if the partner has an oral herpes infection) or genital secretions (if the partner has a genital herpes infection)
  • Skin around the mouth (if the partner has an oral herpes infection) or skin in the genital area (if the partner has a genital herpes infection) 

Herpes cannot be contacted through contact with objects, such as:

• Toilet seats
• Doorknobs
• Swimming pools
• Hot tubs
• Bathtubs
• Sharing clothing
• Sharing eating utensils

What are the signs and symptoms of herpes?

Herpes often has no symptoms but can still cause health problems. Common symptoms of herpes are:

• Herpes sores can appear as blisters near the genitals, rectum, or mouth. These blisters can pop and leave sores that can be painful. When this happens, it is called an outbreak
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, headache, or swollen glands are also common during an outbreak

Individuals can experience repeated outbreaks of herpes, but these tend to be shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. The frequency of outbreaks may also decrease over time.

What are my testing options?

You should see a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of herpes. A provider exam and a swab from a herpes sore or a blood test can help diagnose herpes. 

What are my treatment options?

There is no known cure for herpes. However, there is medication to help manage the condition. 

• Daily anti-viral medication can make it less likely to pass herpes to a partner
• Episodic treatment with anti-viral medications can reduce discomfort and shorten the length of outbreaks

What happens if herpes is left untreated?

Herpes can cause painful sores. Touching the sores and then other parts of the body, like the mouth or eyes, can spread herpes to those areas. 

Untreated genital herpes may also increase an individual’s chances of getting or giving HIV. 

How can I prevent herpes? 

• Avoid contact with herpes sores, saliva (from oral herpes), genital secretions (from genital herpes), or the affected skin in the oral or genital areas if your partner has an infection
• Thoroughly wash hands after touching a sore to help prevent spreading the infection
• Avoid vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a partner if they have herpes symptoms

Other steps you can take to stay safe and reduce the risk of getting herpes:

• Use condoms consistently and correctly during sex and consider other barrier methods like dental dams
• Limit your number of sexual partners with unknown STI status
• Get tested if you have symptoms of herpes

Medications like doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy PEP) can help prevent bacterial STIs after exposure, while HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV PrEP) can reduce your risk of acquiring HIV. Take charge of your sexual health and talk to your provider about what methods are right for you.

Where can I get more information?

• Your doctor, nurse, or sexual and reproductive health provider
• Your health center or family planning clinic
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of STD Prevention & HIV Surveillance, Partner Services Program at [phone].
• Doxy PEP information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• HIV PrEP information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health