How long does herpes stay for?

The herpes simplex virus can remain in the body for a person's entire life. Once a person is infected with the virus, it cannot be completely eliminated from the body. The virus may go dormant for periods of time but can reactivate later, causing recurrent outbreaks of symptoms. The frequency and severity of outbreaks can vary from person to person and may also be influenced by factors such as immune status, overall health, and stress levels. While medications like antiviral drugs can help manage the symptoms and prevent outbreaks, there is currently no cure for the herpes simplex virus.