But kissing or sharing a drinking glass or silverware might spread the virus. So the virus is not likely to spread through surfaces, such as a faucet handle or a towel. HSV-1 is a version of the virus that causes cold sores or fever blisters. HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes.

• Recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes caused by HSV-1 are often less frequent than outbreaks caused by HSV-2.
• If you suspect you have genital herpes, or any other STI, see your health care provider.
• Scabs eventually form and the sores heal, but they tend to recur.
• People can have genital herpes for years without knowing it.
• You can spread the infection by touching a sore and then rubbing or scratching another area of your body.
• Prevention of genital herpes is the same as preventing other sexually transmitted infections.
• The virus moves from one person to another during sexual activity.

Symptoms

They may have no symptoms or have very mild symptoms. Most people infected with HSV don’t know they starzspins casino have it. Scabs eventually form and the sores heal, but they tend to recur. Symptoms often show up again after the first outbreak.

• To confirm a diagnosis, your provider will likely take a sample from an active sore.
• It lowers the risk of passing the virus to your baby.
• The virus can spread even if an infected person has no genital sores.
• Your provider may recommend that you take herpes antiviral medicines late in pregnancy.
• If you think you have genital herpes or another STI, make an appointment to see your health care provider.
• After the first outbreak of genital herpes, symptoms often appear again.

About Mayo Clinic

The newly caught infection is a genital herpes infection. The virus moves from one person to another during sexual activity. People with HSV infections can pass along the virus even when they have no visible symptoms. Genital herpes is caused by two types of herpes simplex virus. Your symptoms during recurrent outbreaks usually don’t last as long and aren’t as severe as the first.

Can you get genital herpes from a toilet seat?

You may have warning signs a few hours or days before a new outbreak starts. They may appear less often over time. Sores appear where the infection enters the body. Symptoms start about 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus.

Treatment

We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. How often recurrent outbreaks happen varies widely. These are called recurrent outbreaks or recurrent episodes. You can spread the infection by touching a sore and then rubbing or scratching another area of your body. Other people have pain, itching and sores around the genitals, anus or mouth.

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Your care provider will likely recommend that you get tested for other STIs. If you have an outbreak when you go into labor, your provider may suggest a cesarean section. Your provider may recommend that you take herpes antiviral medicines late in pregnancy. Prevention of genital herpes is the same as preventing other sexually transmitted infections.