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Facts and Myths About How You Can Get Herpes

  • Jun 1, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 20

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Herpes is a common and often misunderstood sexually transmitted infection (STI). With a wealth of misinformation out there, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. Therefore, we'll break down how herpes is contracted, using the most up-to-date data, and to dispel common myths about its transmission.


How Herpes is Contracted


Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which comes in two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both types can cause oral and genital herpes, but HSV-1 is more commonly associated with oral herpes, and HSV-2 with genital herpes.


Modes of Transmission:

Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact:

  • Oral Herpes (HSV-1): Typically contracted through non-sexual contact during childhood, such as kissing a relative or friend who has a cold sore. It can also be spread through oral-genital contact, resulting in genital herpes.

  • Genital Herpes (HSV-2): Primarily contracted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, with someone who has the virus.


Asymptomatic Shedding:

  • HSV can be transmitted even when there are no visible sores or symptoms. This is known as asymptomatic shedding, where the virus is present on the skin without causing symptoms.


Mucous Membranes and Small Breaks in the Skin:

  • The virus enters the body through mucous membranes (such as the lining of the mouth or genitals) or small breaks in the skin.


Sexual Fluids:

  • Herpes can be transmitted through genital fluids from an infected person, including contact with saliva during oral sex and genital secretions during vaginal or anal sex. According to recent studies, the virus can be present in seminal fluids, though it is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact rather than the fluids themselves


Mother-to-Newborn Transmission:

  • In rare cases, a mother can transmit herpes to her baby during childbirth, which can be serious for the newborn.


Statistics:

  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 (67%) have HSV-1 globally, while an estimated 491 million people aged 15-49 (13%) have HSV-2.

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in the United States, about 1 in 6 people aged 14 to 49 have genital herpes caused by HSV-2.


Dispelling Myths About Herpes Transmission


Myth 1: Herpes Can Be Spread Through Toilet Seats, Bedding, or Swimming Pools

  • Fact: Herpes is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact, not through inanimate objects. The virus does not survive long on surfaces, making it highly unlikely to contract herpes from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.


Myth 2: You Can Only Get Herpes If Your Partner Has an Active Outbreak

  • Fact: Herpes can be transmitted even when there are no visible sores or symptoms. Asymptomatic shedding means the virus can still be present on the skin and spread to others.


Myth 3: Herpes is Always Visible

  • Fact: Many people with herpes do not have noticeable symptoms or may have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed. As a result, they can unknowingly spread the virus to others.


Myth 4: You Can’t Get Herpes If You Use a Condom

  • Fact: While condoms significantly reduce the risk of herpes transmission, they do not eliminate it entirely. Herpes can be spread from areas not covered by a condom, such as the genital area or inner thighs.


Myth 5: Only Promiscuous People Get Herpes

  • Fact: Herpes does not discriminate based on the number of sexual partners. It can be contracted from a single sexual encounter with an infected person. The virus is widespread and affects people of all ages and backgrounds.


Myth 6: Herpes Affects Fertility

  • Fact: Herpes does not affect fertility in men or women. However, it’s important to manage the condition and reduce the risk of transmission during pregnancy to protect the baby.


Final Thoughts


Understanding how herpes is contracted and dispelling common myths is crucial for reducing stigma and promoting informed, healthy behaviors. Herpes is a manageable condition, and with the right knowledge and precautions, people can lead fulfilling lives.


About the Author

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Cat Dupree is the founder of Herpes Wellness and is dedicated to helping others navigate life with herpes, advocating for education and reducing the associated stigma. With a passion for mentoring and coaching, Cat empowers individuals to heal and feel confident despite their diagnosis.

 
 
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