Hsv 1 how do you get it

People who experience an initial outbreak of herpes can have repeated outbreaks, especially if they are infected with HSV Repeat outbreaks are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. Although the infection stays in the body for the rest of your life, the number of outbreaks may decrease over time.

You should be examined by your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or if your partner has an STD or symptoms of an STD. STD symptoms can include an unusual sore, a smelly genital discharge, burning when urinating, or for women bleeding between periods. Your healthcare provider may diagnose genital herpes by simply looking at your symptoms.

Providers can also take a sample from the sore s and test it. In certain situations, a blood test may be used to look for herpes antibodies. Have an honest and open talk with your health care provider and ask whether you should be tested for herpes or other STDs.

Please note: A herpes blood test can help determine if you have herpes infection. It cannot tell you who gave you the infection or how long you have been infected. There is no cure for herpes.

However, there are medicines that can prevent or shorten outbreaks. One of these anti-herpes medicines can be taken daily, and makes it less likely that you will pass the infection on to your sex partner s.

Genital herpes can cause painful genital sores and can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. If you touch your sores or the fluids from the sores, you may transfer herpes to another part of your body, such as your eyes.

Do not touch the sores or fluids to avoid spreading herpes to another part of your body. If you do touch the sores or fluids, immediately wash your hands thoroughly to help avoid spreading your infection. If you are pregnant, there can be problems for you and your developing fetus, or newborn baby. How could genital herpes affect my baby?

If you have herpes, you should talk to your sex partner s and let him or her know that you do and the risk involved. What Causes Cold Sores? How Are Cold Sores Treated? But some treatments can help make cold sores less painful and not last as long: Cold compresses can help with discomfort. Prescription or over-the-counter treatments are sometimes recommended by the doctor. Cool foods and drinks can help make eating more comfortable.

Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen may ease pain. Don't take aspirin , as it's linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome. When Should I Call the Doctor? If you have a cold sore, it's important to see your doctor if: you have another health condition that has weakened your immune system the sores don't heal by themselves within 2 weeks you get cold sores often you have signs of a bacterial infection, such as fever, pus, or spreading redness Can Cold Sores Be Prevented?

An estimated 67 percent of people ages 49 or younger are seropositive for HSV-1, though they may never experience an outbreak. HSV-2 infections are spread through contact with a herpes sore. In contrast, most people get HSV-1 from a person with an infection who is asymptomatic, or does not have sores.

Anyone can contract HSV, regardless of age. Your risk is based almost entirely on exposure to the infection.

In cases of sexually transmitted HSV, people are more at risk when they have sex not protected by condoms or other barrier methods. If a pregnant woman is having an outbreak of genital herpes at the time of childbirth, it can expose the baby to both types of HSV, and may put them at risk for serious complications. They may also transmit the virus to others. You may also experience symptoms that are similar to the flu. These symptoms can include:. HSV can also spread to the eyes, causing a condition called herpes keratitis.

This can cause symptoms such as eye pain , discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye. This type of virus is generally diagnosed with a physical exam. Your doctor may check your body for sores and ask you about some of your symptoms. Your doctor may also request HSV testing. This is known as a herpes culture. It will confirm the diagnosis if you have sores on your genitals. Most people get genital herpes from HSV-2, which they get during sex.

If someone has a cold sore and performs oral sex, this can spread HSV-1 to the genitals, and cause herpes sores on the genitals. Mothers can give the herpes virus to their baby during childbirth. If the baby is born during the mother's first episode of genital herpes, the baby can have serious problems. Once a person becomes infected with a herpes virus, the virus never leaves the body.

After the first outbreak, the virus moves from the skin cells to nerve cells. The virus stays in the nerve cells forever. But it usually just stays there.