Stages of Herpes/ Help Prevent Transmission by Knowing the Stages of Herpes

Understanding the stages of herpes will help in the prevention of spreading this virus. Of those who are infected, 80% are not aware that they are carrying the disease. This is why it is so important to educate yourself in order to help avoid the spread of this virus.

These stages of herpes pertain to both HSV-1 which is referred to as cold sores that appear around the mouth and eyes (ocular herpes) and HSV-2 which generally affects the genital area. The viruses can be carried in bodily fluids such as saliva, semen, fluid in the female genital tract or in fluid from the herpes sore. Usually within three days to two weeks after first contact of the virus the infection enters the body. The direct contact of a blister or sore during an outbreak is when there is the highest risk to spread the infection.

Prodrome Stage: This stage is the very beginning of the virus. It includes the burning, itching, tingling feeling you experience at the onset of an outbreak. You may also experience flu-like symptoms that include fever and body aches. Infection Stage: Red bumps will begin to appear followed by the formation of blisters. This can either be one blister or many. These blisters then break open to expose an ulcer like wound which will then scab over. After the scab falls off this means the infection is over.

Latent Stage: The virus will begin to replicate when it comes into contact with the mucosal surfaces or skin wounds. It then transports itself within nerve cells to their roots where it remains in its latent stage, meaning inactive, for a period of time. During this stage of herpes, the virus is not transmissible.

Shedding Stage: The herpes virus does not stay latent and at some point it will begin to replicate again without causing symptoms which is called shedding. During this stage is when the virus is the most transmissible through bodily fluids and can infect other people. This is the most dangerous stage of all as this is when the virus is undetectable with the high risk of spreading. This stage of herpes accounts for about a third of all HSV-2 infections.

It is very difficult during the latent stage to prevent spreading this disease but there are ways to reduce the risk through medications. Reducing the risk of transmission during an outbreak is a little easier as there are precautions that can be taken. It is known that these two viruses can be spread from one part of the body to the other. Take extreme caution by washing your hands with warm water and soap after touching the infected area. Avoid facial and sexual contact with both of these viruses.

There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but topical and antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. In addition, daily suppressive therapy for symptomatic herpes can reduce transmission to partners.