How long has genitlis herpes been contagious? | Duration of genital herpes

How long has genitlis herpes been contagious?

Herpes simplex virus infection is quite widespread in the population. 90% of adults in Germany are infected with herpes simplex type 1 and 20% carry the herpes simplex virus type 2, which leads to herpes genitalis. In an acute infection with genital herpes, fluid-filled blisters and small ulcers form in the affected areas of the genital area.

These lesions contain the highly infectious viruses and thus represent a very high risk of infection. Herpes genitalis is transmitted via body fluids through a smear infection during sexual intercourse. The infectious blisters can burst open, penetrate the body of the sexual partner via small injuries to the mucous membrane and infect him or her.

Transmission of the virus by smear infection is also possible if the person affected has no symptoms and is not yet aware of the disease. Therefore there is a risk of infection for the affected partner even before the blisters appear. Basically, genital herpes is particularly infectious as long as blisters are present. Once the blisters become encrusted and heal, the disease is over until the next episode and infection is usually no longer possible.

Do I have to treat genital herpes?

Herpes genitalis is not curable because the virus cannot be removed from the body, but nowadays the disease can be treated very well. It is best to take antiviral medication immediately at the first signs of infection, as this can positively influence the course of the disease. The earlier genital herpes is treated, the more effectively the viruses are prevented from multiplying and the faster the symptoms can be relieved and the risk of infection reduced. Since genital herpes is most frequently transmitted through sexual intercourse, sex should be avoided during an acute episode and the partner should be informed about the infection. Condoms are not sufficient protection in this case.

Are there new outbreaks of genital herpes?

The herpes simplex viruses remain in the body for a lifetime even after the acute illness has healed, so genital herpes is not curable. The viruses rest in the body without symptoms and can be reactivated months or years after the initial infection, causing a new outbreak of the disease. Relapses are favoured by a weakened immune system, colds or stress, but are usually weaker than the initial infection.