Herpes infection, either HSV 1 or HSV 2, happens when the virus enters the body. It gains access through a vulnerable part of the skin, such as the mouth or the genital area (via a small cut, abrasion or mucous membrane). Because mucous membranes are more vulnerable than the tough barrier of regular skin, women are twice as likely to get herpes than men (a vagina has more mucous membrane than a penis).
Once inside the body, herpes travels to the nerve ganglia (located at the top of the spine for oral herpes infections or the bottom for genital herpes infections), where it “sleeps” (also see herpes dormancy) until something triggers herpes into action. (Centers for Disease Control statistics indicate that up to 80% of people infected with herpes don’t even know they have it because they experience such mild symptoms of herpes, or sometimes none.)
Frequently asked questions
Can herpes be spread through bath water, hot tubs, or swimming pools?+
No. The herpes virus is very fragile and cannot survive on surfaces or in water for more than a few seconds. You cannot get herpes from bath water, swimming pools, hot tubs, toilet seats, or shared towels. Herpes requires direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area to be transmitted.
Can you spread herpes to other parts of your own body?+
Autoinoculation (spreading herpes to a new location on your own body) is rare and mostly a risk during the first outbreak, before your body has built up antibodies. After the initial infection, your immune system typically prevents the virus from establishing itself in new locations. Good hygiene, like washing your hands after touching an outbreak, reduces this risk further.
Can herpes be transmitted through oral sex?+
Yes. Oral herpes (HSV-1, typically cold sores) can be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex, and genital herpes can potentially be transmitted to the mouth, though this is less common. HSV-1 is actually a leading cause of new genital herpes cases, often transmitted by partners who don't realize cold sores are a form of herpes.
Is herpes only contagious during an outbreak?+
No. While the risk of transmission is highest during an active outbreak, herpes can also be transmitted through asymptomatic viral shedding, when the virus is active on the skin's surface without causing visible symptoms. This is why many people contract herpes from partners who had no idea they were contagious at the time.
