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Question:
I contracted herpes in 1978, have been married twice and have never passed it on.
Recent info seems to express that it is contagious even when not active. I have not been active for approx 2 yrs.
Is the virus gone for good?
Do you feel I can infect when the virus is not active. It makes it very difficult to start a new relationship and to explain. I have lost several potential relationships as a result and I would like to know the facts.
Thanks
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Answer:
by Georgan Gregg: (05/26/2004)
It’s smart of you to keep up with the latest findings regarding herpes. One thing hasn’t changed: genital herpes lives forever inside the infected person, with or without an active outbreak. The blisters and sores, which result from herpes becoming active, will come and go, but there is no known cure for the virus.
As to when herpes can be passed on, there are no absolute answers. What we know for sure is that herpes is transmitted by direct contact with an infected area, either a few days before or after an outbreak, or during the outbreak itself. Which means you can be contagious even if you don’t have visible sores. It’s important to realize that this virus can enter another’s body through small cuts, the genitals or other body openings, including the mouth and eyes, or direct sore-to-skin contact. A condom is recommended, but it cannot provide 100% protection from herpes (or warts) because some skin is still exposed. Hopefully, you indeed did not pass herpes to your spouses, but some people take up to a year to have symptoms, and a few people are carriers who can pass the virus on without experiencing any symptoms. For most, however, symptoms of herpes begin 2 - 30 days after infection.
I encourage you to continue learning about herpes, including how to talk to potential sexual partners and where to get support. I recommend calling the National Herpes Hotline at (919) 361-8488. They are open 9am to 7pm, Eastern Time, Monday - Friday. Don’t hesitate to phone them or contact us again.
Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team
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