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Is it Possible to Have Herpes & Never Have an Outbreak?

Herpes is a disease that is transmitted through sexual contact and is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Many people never develop any signs or symptoms of herpes infection after they have been exposed to the virus.

  1. Symptoms

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, a herpes infection may produce no symptoms, mild symptoms that go unnoticed or a noticeable outbreak. Common symptoms of an outbreak include small red bumps, blisters or ulcers in the genital area or anal area. However, it is possible to have herpes and never have an outbreak.

    Virus Types

    • Outbreaks that include cold sores in and around the mouth result from an infection of the type 1 of the herpes simplex virus, but this virus can spread to the genital area. The herpes simplex virus type 2 is the most common cause of genital outbreaks.

    Complications

    • People with a herpes infection have a greater risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS. Urine retention in the bladder may develop after a herpes infection.

    Testing

    • Viral cultures may be collected from a herpes outbreak and tested for the herpes virus. A blood test can detect herpes simplex virus antibodies from a past herpes infection.

    Treatment

    • There is no known cure for herpes, but oral antivirus drugs such as Valtrex may help sores heal faster, lessen the severity of outbreaks and reduce the frequency of future outbreaks.

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