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Can You Get Herpes Without an Outbreak?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40 million Americans have had genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

  1. Features

    • Most people who contract genital herpes are unaware they have the virus, the CDC reports.

    Types

    • Some people who contract HSV-2 never develop symptoms, while others develop mild symptoms or confuse their symptoms with other rashes, according to the CDC.

    Effects

    • The ability to transfer herpes even if you are symptom-free and have never had an outbreak is called asymptomatic or subclinical viral shedding.

    Symptoms

    • Individuals who develop itching or pain, followed by bumps that become sores around the genitals, should not ignore these symptoms. A diagnosis of genital herpes helps individuals manage their symptoms and protect others.

    Identification

    • People who think they may have contracted HSV-2 can have blood tests or a culture taken to diagnose the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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