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Why Do Some People Have Mild Herpes Outbreaks?

Herpes symptoms occur in outbreaks, meaning people experience short periods of symptoms followed by periods without symptoms. Although it is not known exactly why some people have only mild outbreaks, a number of factors contribute.

  1. Features

    • Herpes outbreaks tend to taper off in severity and frequency over time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Antibodies

    • After infection, the body's immune system produces antibodies to help control the infection. According to the International Herpes Management Forum, antibodies help make later outbreaks less severe.

    Overall Health

    • Being in overall good health may help make herpes more mild; people with HIV/AIDS or who are on medications that suppress the immune system are at increased risk for recurrence, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Medication

    • People who are on antiviral medications for their genital herpes may have fewer and less severe outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Considerations

    • Just because a person has mild or no symptoms does not mean that he cannot infect others with the virus that causes genital herpes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Medline Plus.

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