Explainer

Herpes

Real talk

Most people have herpes – it’s not easy to avoid. While this virus is known for causing sores on the mouth or genitals, sometimes it doesn’t present any symptoms at all.

Myth-busting

Myth: “Once you get herpes, you develop an immunity to it.”
Fact: Herpes symptoms will often heal on their own, but it’s common to have recurring episodes.

Myth: “Herpes causes cancer.”
Fact: Nope. Herpes isn’t linked to any cancers – you might be thinking of HPV.

Myth: “You can get herpes from a toilet seat or handling laundry.”
Fact: Very unlikely as the virus cannot survive for more than a few seconds outside the body. Herpes usually requires skin-to-skin contact, or an exchange of fluid between an active sore and a mucus membrane (such as the mouth or genitals).

What is herpes?

Herpes is an extremely common infection caused by two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2). More than seven in ten adults have HSV-1, and one in eight have HSV-2. That means most of us have herpes!

Herpes is known for causing sores in and around the mouth, lips or genitals, but some people don’t get any symptoms at all. Herpes can also be passed to other parts of the body.

When herpes affects the lips or nostrils, it’s called oral herpes (sometimes called ‘cold sores’). When herpes affects the genitals, inner thighs, lower back or arse, it’s called genital herpes.

Oral herpes is usually – but not always – caused by HSV-1. Genital herpes is caused by both HSV-1 and HSV-2. It’s possible to get both HSV-1 and HSV-2 at the same time.

How do you get it?

Herpes is usually passed through any kind of skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing, oral sex, rimming and genital-to-genital contact – with or without penetration. However, only the part of the body where you have the infection is contagious.

For example, if you have oral herpes, you can pass it from your lips to someone else’s lips through kissing, or from your lips to their genitals through oral sex.

Herpes may also be passed through fingering, fisting or sharing sex toys. This can occur if you touch an active sore then touch someone’s genitals or mucous membranes before washing your hands. It can also be passed through non-sexual activities, such as sharing cigarettes/vapes, drinks or razor blades.

While it’s unlikely to spread herpes to different areas of your own body, it’s not impossible – so avoid touching any sores and wash your hands immediately if you do.

Herpes often goes undiagnosed, as most people get very mild symptoms, or none at all.

If you do get symptoms, the first episode tends to be the worst. You could get painful sores and feel like you have the flu for a few days to a few weeks.

Herpes symptoms will go away on their own, but they may come back from time to time.

In recurrent episodes of herpes, you might feel tingling, itching or pain on the skin, followed by a blister that breaks and then scabs over. Sometimes, herpes can look like a small break in the skin that heals within a day or two.

How is it prevented?

Since it’s so common, herpes is hard to avoid completely.

Keep in mind that herpes is most contagious when even mild symptoms are present. Avoiding contact at these times goes a long way to prevent passing on the infection.

Similarly to other viruses, having a compromised or weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to herpes outbreaks or flares.

It’s possible, but far less likely (the risk is estimated to be at less than 2%), to pass on herpes when there are no symptoms at all. Barriers like condoms, dental dams and gloves can reduce the risk of getting herpes whenever you have sex. These are recommended for use on toys too. However, barriers can’t cover everything, so they’re never 100% effective for STIs passed skin-to-skin, including herpes.

How do you test for herpes?

A routine STI screening doesn’t include a herpes test.

If you don’t have symptoms, there’s no recommended test for herpes as it is so common.

If you do have symptoms, your doctor can swab an active sore to test for herpes.

Symptoms of herpes can appear weeks – or even years – after you first get the infection. This makes it hard to know where you got it, or even how long you’ve had it. So, a new diagnosis of herpes doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a new infection.

How do you get treated?

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for herpes yet, but there are treatments to manage symptoms. These are called antiviral medications. Taking antiviral medication within the first 48–72 hours of symptoms generally helps symptomatic sores/lesions heal much faster.

Typical medications for herpes require a doctor’s prescription.

When seeing a doctor/medical professional, they may wish to confirm the type of herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2) and exclude other types of viruses or infections.

To do this, the doctor may ask to take a swab from a sore or blister. This sample is then tested for the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This is the most reliable method for diagnosing active infections.

A doctor may also ask for a blood sample to detect for antibodies against HSV. This test can indicate if someone has been previously infected with the virus, but it cannot determine the location or timing of the infection. Therefore, for someone with active symptoms, a blood test may not be the preferred method for confirmation.

For people who get frequent or recurrent symptoms, ongoing daily medication can:

decrease the number of episodes
reduce the symptoms if an ‘outbreak’ does occur
reduce the risk of passing herpes on to a partner.

Treatment isn’t necessary for everyone, though. Even without medication, herpes symptoms will heal on their own, often within a few days.

When to see a healthcare professional

A healthcare professional can recommend the tests that are right for your body and your sexual practices. They can provide treatment straight away if you need it, check for any complications, and talk with you about re-testing or letting partners know. Regular checks are a simple way to look after yourself, your partners and your community.

See a healthcare provider if: