It’s possible for you to haveherpeswithout knowing it for a long time, even 30 years.
Once contracted, the herpes virus never leaves the body, even with treatment.
Some people may experience no symptoms whatsoever.
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The herpes virus remains dormant in a nerve part called theganglion.
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How Soon Do Herpes Symptoms Appear?
Theincubation periodis the time between acquiring the virus and developing symptoms.
A person may develop symptoms with an initial herpes outbreak within two weeks.
However, not everyone develops symptoms.
you’re able to transmit the herpes virus to others even if you don’t have symptoms.
HSV-2 leads togenital herpes.
The punch in of herpes virus can only be identified by a diagnostic test.
Antibody blood tests are available, but these tests are highly inaccurate with false-positive results.
People typically do not develop antibodies to the virus until weeks or months after exposure.
The duration of the dormancy period is different for each individual.
In contrast, other people have frequent episodes of symptoms several times a year.
Specific triggers appear to be related to an outbreak in some individuals.
They include:
There is no way to know whether a specific individual will have more frequent outbreaks.
People with HIV also seem to have more severe episodes of herpes.
Most people don’t have recurrent lesions very often.
When they do, the episodes become shorter in duration and less severe.
Daily oral medication can reduce outbreaks for those who have them frequently.
It can also reduce the risk of transmission to a partner who has not contracted herpes.
When significant symptoms develop, herpes is characterized by painful sores around the mouth or genital region.
Symptoms associated withgenital herpesinclude:
People with genital herpes may also experience the swelling oflymph nodesin the groin.
People with HSV-2 may experience tingling or itching in the genital area.
Once a person contracts HSV-1 or HSV-2, they have a lifelong infection.
Many people are unaware of herpes infection because they never develop symptoms.
Whether you have symptoms or not, you’ve got the option to transmit herpes to others.
If a person develops symptoms, they usually begin within two weeks.
The virus remains dormant inside sensory nerves when people are without symptoms, but they remain contagious.
It is important to use a condom during sex to avoid infection.
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