Herpes causes
HSV can easily be transmitted from one person to another by contact with moist skin on the genitals or mouth (the anus). Contact with the virus can also be spread through other parts of the skin and eyes. HSV cannot be contracted by a person touching a surface, such as a washbasin or towel. The following are possible ways of infection:
- Contact with an individual suffering from herpes
- Sharing sex toys
- Anal or vaginal sexual activity without barrier protection such as a Condom
The most infectious period is between the first appearance of symptoms and their cure. A person can still transmit the virus even if no signs of infection are present. The virus can be passed to the child if a woman with genital herpes has sores during pregnancy. Sores on the skin could make HIV more easily transmitted and contracted by someone with genital herpes. HSV-2 increases the number of CD4-cells in the lining genital, which could lead to infection when an individual is exposed HIV. HIV-positive individuals have weakened immune systems, which increases the risk of serious complications. (4)
If an individual has oral or throat herpes with a weakened immune system, there is a higher risk that they will develop keratitis (inflammation of the eye) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). When an individual has genital Herpes, and their immune system is weakened, they are at a higher risk of developing inflammations of the lungs, eyes, brain, or esophagus, as well as a widespread infection. HSV can be transmitted by direct contact to sores. It is possible to contract HSV or transmit it even if symptoms are absent. The majority of people get HSV from others who are unaware they have the virus.
HSV can easily be transmitted from one person to another by contact with moist skin on the genitals or mouth (the anus). Contact with the virus can also be spread through other parts of the skin and eyes. HSV cannot be contracted by a person touching a surface, such as a washbasin or towel. The following are possible ways of infection:
- Contact with another person who has herpes, whether it is genital or verbal
- Sharing sex toys
- Anal or vaginal sexual activity without barrier protection such as a Condom
Viruses are most contagious between the first appearance of symptoms and their cure. A person can still transmit the virus even if no signs of infection are present. The virus can be passed to the child if a woman with genital shingles has sores during pregnancy. Sores on the skin could make HIV more easily transmitted and contracted by someone with genital herpes. HSV-2 increases the number of CD4-cells in the lining genital, which could lead to infection when an individual is exposed HIV. HIV-positive individuals have weakened immune systems, which increases the risk of serious complications. (4)
If an individual has oral or throat herpes with a weakened immune system, there is a higher risk that they will develop encephalitis (brain inflammation) or keratitis. When an individual has genital herpes, and their immune system is weakened, they are at a higher risk of developing inflammations of the lungs, eyes, brain, or esophagus, as well as a widespread infection. HSV can be transmitted by direct contact to sores. It is possible to contract HSV or transmit it even if symptoms are absent. The majority of people get HSV from others who are unaware they have the virus.