Can herpes be dormant for 30 years

Overview

Table of Contents Show

Can herpes be permanently dormant?
Can herpes come back after 20 years?
How long can you have herpes and not know it?
Is it possible to not have a herpes outbreak for years?

Herpes is a disease caused by two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV):

HSV-1 is generally responsible for cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth and on the face. Often referred to as oral herpes, it’s usually contracted by kissing, sharing lip balm, and sharing eating utensils. It can also cause genital herpes.
HSV-2, or genital herpes, causes blistering sores on the genitals. It’s usually contracted through sexual contact and can also infect the mouth.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 have an incubation period between transmission of the disease and appearance of symptoms.

Once you’ve contracted HSV, there will be an incubation period — the time it takes from contracting the virus until the first symptom appears.

The incubation period for HSV-1 and HSV-2 is the same: 2 to 12 days. For most people, the symptoms begin to show up in about 3 to 6 days.

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of people who contract HSV have such mild symptoms that they either go unnoticed or are mistakenly identified as a different skin condition. Bearing that in mind, herpes could go undetected for years.

HSV typically alternates between a latent stage — or a dormancy period in which there are few symptoms — and an outbreak stage. In the latter, the primary symptoms are easily identified. The average is two to four outbreaks a year, but some people can go years without an outbreak.

Once a person has contracted HSV, they can transmit the virus even during dormant periods when there are no visible sores or other symptoms. The risk of transmitting the virus when it’s dormant is less. But it’s still a risk, even for people who are receiving treatment for HSV.

The chances are low that a person can transmit HSV to someone else within the first few days following their initial contact with the virus. But because of HSV dormancy, among other reasons, not many people can pinpoint the moment they contracted the virus.

Transmission is common from contact with a partner who might not know they have HSV and isn’t showing symptoms of infection.

There is no cure for herpes. Once you’ve contracted HSV, it stays in your system and you can transmit it to others, even during periods of dormancy.

You can talk to your doctor about medications that can lower your chances of transmitting the virus, but physical protection, although not perfect, is the most reliable option. This includes avoiding contact if you’re experiencing an outbreak and using condoms and dental dams during oral, anal, and vaginal sex.

When someone has been infected with HSV, this infection is often present for life; however, this does not mean that someone is going to have the cold sores of HSV 1 or the genital warts of HSV 2 present on their body for years to come. Herpes Simplex Virus can enter a dormant state after being active for a prolonged period of time. It is important for everyone to try to keep an HSV infection dormant for as long as possible. There are a few ways to make this happen.

What Does it Mean When Herpes is Dormant?

When HSV 1 or HSV 2 enters a dormant state, this means that the infection is not active. This means that the cold sores of HSV 1 and the genital warts of HSV 2 are longer present to the naked eye. Even though the virus is dormant, it is still present. The virus typically retreats into the nerves in the nearby area and can reactive under certain circumstances. Of note, when HSV is dormant, it is much harder to pass from person to person. Therefore, it is important for everyone to try to keep an HSV infection dormant for as long as possible. There are several ways to do this.

How to Keep a Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection Dormant

There are a few tips and tricks that everyone should follow to try to keep a Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection dormant. Some of these methods include:

Practice Good Hygiene: One of the most common triggers that may cause Herpes Simplex Virus to reactivate is another viral infection. Even the common cold can cause Herpes Simplex Virus to leave its dormant state and become an active infection. Therefore, to prevent this infection from reactivating, it is important to take measures to avoid getting sick. This means practicing good hygiene. Showering regularly, washing hands, and avoiding contact with bodily excretions can keep someone healthy. Keep Herpes Simplex Virus dormant by practicing good hygiene.

Avoiding Stress When Possible: Everyone has some degree of stress in their life and this might seem like an empty tip; however, taking measures to relax and reduce stress will go a long way toward keeping Herpes Simplex Virus dormant. When someone feels a lot of stress, Herpes Simplex Virus is much more likely to reactivate. In order to reduce stress, plan in advance, delegate when possible, and try to accomplish things ahead of time. By reducing the number of activities that are left to the last minute, someone can reduce the amount of stress in their life. This will keep the infection dormant, preventing an active Herpes Simplex Virus infection from developing.

Keep the Immune System Strong: Finally, those who would like to keep their Herpes Simplex Virus infection dormant should take every measure possible to keep their immune system strong. In addition to practicing good hygiene (mentioned above), it is important for people to make sure they get their fill of vitamin C. This vitamin is one of the most important foundations of a strong immune system. By consuming vitamin C, often found in cirtus fruits, everyone can keep their immune system strong. A strong immune system will keep the Herpes Simplex Virus infection in its dormant state.

These are only a few of the many ways that people can keep an infection with HSV dormant. When an infection reactivates, it is critical to see a doctor as quickly possible. This is where HerpAlert can provide much-needed assistance.

Trust HerpAlert When Quick Treatment is Needed

Sometimes, a dormant herpes infection can reactivate, leading to cold sores and genital warts. When this happens, everyone deserves to have access to treatment as quickly as possible. That is exactly what someone is going to get when they rely on HerpAlert. Sadly, the wait to see a doctor in an office or clinic can be prolonged. This can leave many people wondering what they are going to do next. HerpAlert allows someone to see a doctor in a virtual setting. Using photos and videos, a doctor is able to take a look at the lesions and make a diagnosis quickly. If treatment is required, the doctor can write a prescription. Eliminate the wait to see a doctor for herpes. Trust HerpAlert to get someone access to HSV diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.

Can herpes be permanently dormant?

It can lie dormant for long periods, but can reactivate in the area that was originally infected. If the virus reactivates, the sores and blisters can reappear. This is known as a 'recurrent episode' of genital herpes.

Can herpes come back after 20 years?

The herpes virus can lie dormant in the body for years before people experience any symptoms. After people have the first outbreak of herpes, the virus then lies dormant in the nervous system. Any further outbreaks are due to the virus reactivating, which causes symptoms to appear.

How long can you have herpes and not know it?

Initial herpes symptoms usually show up 2 to 20 days after you're infected. But it may be years before the first symptoms appear. Herpes sores usually heal in a few weeks. But the virus stays in your body – and it can flare up and cause sores again.

Is it possible to not have a herpes outbreak for years?

Some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms are usually most severe when they first appear. Outbreaks become less intense and less frequent over time. Most people have an outbreak of genital herpes more than once in their life.