Can you get herpes from an uninfected person?

Herpes simplex viruses type 1 and type 2 (commonly referred to as HSV-1 and HSV-2) are highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person. Transmission can occur even when the infected person does not show any visible symptoms (asymptomatic shedding). However, it's generally understood that a person can only transmit herpes if they are actively infected with the virus.

To have herpes, you need to contract it from an infected person. However, there are rare instances where someone can test positive for HSV-1 or HSV-2 without having any symptoms or ever having come into contact with an infected person. This can occur due to laboratory errors or mix-ups, false-positive test results, or in some cases, due to reactivation of a latent infection that may not have ever caused active disease.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional and get further testing or specialist advice if you have concerns about potential herpes transmission or positive herpes test results, especially if you haven't had any known exposure to the virus.