How is herpes transmitted? Herpes when contagious. Infection by direct contact

Herpes is an infectious viral disease that is manifested by foci of inflamed rashes. Most often, the disease occurs in the mouth. For many people, it is not clear how herpes on the lips is transmitted. To understand, you should familiarize yourself with the basic statements about the disease.

Herpes or fever on the lips, manifested by blistering small neoplasms in the oral cavity. The main reason for this phenomenon is human infection with the herpes simplex virus of the first type (HSV 1). One of the most common viral diseases. Herpes carriers are 90% of the world's population. Once in the body, the herpes virus moves to the nerves and remains there for life. No matter how many times relapses occur, they recur again. In cases of most diseases of this type, only certain people experience external manifestations of infection. While in the body, the virus can remain in a latent state for many years, until the immune system weakens and reduces protection. There is an activation of the infection, and external signs come out.

Factors provoking the formation of external manifestations are:

viral, bacterial and fungal infections;
long-term use of antibiotics;
hypothermia of the body;
pregnancy;
stress and nervous tension;
overeating spicy or salty foods;
malnutrition and vitamin deficiency;
menstruation in women;
violations of the work of internal organs;
previous injuries and surgeries.

After the incubation of a viral infection, the phase of its reproduction begins. The first symptom of upcoming herpes vesicles is itching in the area of the person's lips. The skin turns red, begins to hurt, there is a burning sensation, the size of the affected lip increases. One or more fluid-filled blisters form on the skin. The size of the formations is insignificant, but increases slightly as it develops.

Damage to the vesicles leads to the spread of infection and an increase in the scale of the lesion. Large wounds and ulcers may appear. During the recovery period of the body, the rash dries up, a yellow crust forms.

Is herpes contagious

Herpes is one of the most contagious diseases. In addition to its prevalence, the infection is highly resistant to the external environment. It does not die at high and low temperatures. Survives in water and on household items. The probability of infection if a carrier of HSV 1 is present at home is 100%.

Particles of disease-causing agents of an infected person are present in saliva, sputum, vaginal secretions, seminal fluid. In blood and mucus.

The cells of the virus are located on the mucous membranes and the wound surface of the lips. At the time of the decline in immune defense, the concentration of virus cells, due to its active reproduction, increases.

You don't have to touch the carrier to get infected. It is enough to use his towel, lipstick, cutlery and more. The virus can be transmitted through any contact.

The most susceptible to infection are children, the elderly, who have a weakened immune system as a result of various diseases and influences (HIV, AIDS, anemia, oncology, undergone chemical or radiotherapy).

Treating herpes is an important step to prevent the possibility of infecting others. The sooner a person resorts to a therapeutic method of eliminating the external symptoms of the disease and suppressing it, the faster the infection will recede.

Incubation period

The incubation period of herpes on the lips depends on whether it is a primary form or a secondary one. In a primary infection (first contact with the infection), symptoms appear within 1 to 2 days. More often occurs in childhood. The secondary form is in the incubation period for 2 to 14 days. A person who has previously had ARVI with antibiotics will encounter a symptom of the disease much earlier.

Timely intake of the necessary drugs can prevent the occurrence of a rash. Only after the appearance of visible signs, a person guesses about the infection.

The disease is often accompanied by general symptoms of malaise - pain in the lips, local hyperthermia, fever, headache and fatigue.

From the appearance of the first symptoms of herpes to a conditional recovery, at least 1 week passes. On average, this period lasts 7 - 10 days. The state of the person affects the time of the stage. If the patient suffers from acute illnesses, the presence of blisters will last. There are cases when, immediately after the healing of the last wound, a relapse occurs. This phenomenon indicates a strong weakening of the immune system, requires medical intervention.

Is it transmitted through kissing

Many people believe that it is impossible to get herpes on the lips, and all the warnings are nothing more than a myth. In fact, the opposite is true. It is easy to catch herpes if you kiss a person who has such a cold on his lips.

Herpes infection is transmitted:

during direct contact. If a person touches the patient's sores, the infection will spread. If a conditionally healthy person was a previously infected carrier without precedents of rashes, he will have a relapse. The same will happen when people kiss. Attentive to the disease must be parents of children under 4 years of age. The virus causes great damage to the immune defense that has not yet been fully formed. Adults with herpes on the lips should refrain from kissing a child.
Airborne. When a person suffers from colds accompanied by sneezing and coughing, the virus particles are spread at the moment sputum is released into the air. The patient's immunity at that moment is weakened by another infection, there is a high concentration of the virus in the body. A person can cough, spreading a herpes infection at this time.
Household way. Virus particles remain alive on the surface of household items, they are easily transported by airborne droplets. It is important to ensure the individual use of hygiene items, cutlery, a variety of accessories and clothing.
During operations, dental and salon procedures. Infection is facilitated by blood transfusion or poor sanitation in public service areas.
With intimate contact. HSV microparticles are present in the secretions of the reproductive system. Such proximity has a high degree of contagiousness.
During pregnancy and during childbirth from mother to child. There is a high probability of transmission of an infectious disease even in the process of intrauterine development of the fetus and at the birth of a baby. This is facilitated by a decrease in immune protection during the period of gestation in a pregnant woman.

There are many ways of transmission of a dangerous disease. In order not to infect others or to avoid your own infection, you should follow the rules of personal hygiene and precautions.

Precautions when dealing with infectious

To protect yourself and loved ones from the appearance of such an unpleasant and contagious herpes on the lips, you must adhere to the safety rules:

use personal hygiene items;
wash hands more often, use antibacterial agents;
stop kissing a person with a rash on their lips;
do not touch the sores;
women do not use someone else's cosmetics;
men do not shave their faces with someone else's razor;
do not use one cutlery;
do not eat after the patient.

After receiving guests, among whom there is a patient, in order to prevent airborne infection, it is necessary to ventilate the room and process the door handles.

In order not to infect the unborn child, a woman should undergo treatment before planning pregnancy. At the stage of gestation, pay maximum attention to your own health.

In order not to become a carrier of the disease yourself, it is necessary to treat the virus and its symptoms. You should not resort to folk treatment. The disease is resistant to many medications, and home methods will only delay the recovery time.

Herpetic formations on the lips are not as harmless as they seem. Large-scale lesions are a great danger to health. They can lead to the development of ulcers, deformation of the skin and necrosis. By observing precautions and hygiene conditions, a person will reduce the risk of acquiring such an ailment.

Lives in the human body in ninety percent of people. At the same time, he may not make himself felt for a long time. A cold on the lips is a fairly common disease. Therefore, many are wondering if herpes on the lips is contagious, how the herpes virus is transmitted and how many days it is contagious.

Herpes refers to an infectious disease that occurs as a result of exposure to certain factors. The main reasons for the development are considered to be the following.

Hypothermia or overheating.
The occurrence of stressful situations.
A sharp decrease in immune function.
innate factor.
Unprotected intercourse with a sick person.
Severe intoxication of the body.

All these reasons lead to the activation of the herpes virus, which is manifested by the following symptoms.

Redness.
Itching and burning.
The appearance of bubbles.
The appearance of bubbles after two or three days.
Temperature rise.
Severe pain in the affected area.
The manifestation of a wound in place of bursting pimples. After a while, they become covered with a crust that cannot be touched and removed.

A few prejudices about herpes

This disease was known a few years before our era. As soon as the frosty season sets in, small rashes appear on the lips. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows what herpes is and how to deal with it. As a result, several misconceptions have arisen.

Herpes is not contagious. Many patients are still interested in the question of whether a cold on the lips is contagious or not. It is believed that the herpes virus is transmitted by airborne droplets during sneezing, talking or coughing, contact through kissing, touching and sharing utensils, as well as sexually. Infection of the baby from the mother can occur during the birth process. Often this process occurs due to the presence of genital herpes in the expectant mother.
Herpes refers to the manifestations of the common cold. Herpes is an independent disease. Activation of herpes occurs due to hypothermia, stressful situations, overwork, the presence of chronic diseases or a weakening of the immune function.
Rashes on the lips indicate that the cold is receding. If pimples appear on the body or on the lips, this does not mean that the disease is fading away. In fact, the rash appears when the immune function is weakened, and the patient remains infectious.
The pimples are gone and the cold is gone. Unfortunately, if the herpes virus enters the body, it will remain there forever. With each weakening of immune functions, colds on the lips will reappear. It is believed that the herpes virus enters the body at the age of three to four years.
Herpes is contagious only when pimples appear. When herpes is in the active phase, the risk of getting infected is much greater. Transmission of herpes can occur at any time if a person has microtrauma of the skin and mucous membranes.
Genital herpes and colds on the lips are different diseases. This statement is not entirely true. Cold sores are caused by a type 1 virus, while genital herpes is a type 2 virus. But both types of the disease can lead to rashes in the lips or genitals. Often, genital herpes occurs as a result of oral love.
Condoms will protect against genital herpes. Indeed, the use of a condom reduces the risk of infection, but no one gives a 100% guarantee. Herpes is also transmitted through other parts of the body.
The best treatment is the use of brilliant green, iodine or alcohol. When cauterizing rashes with these drugs, the activity of the virus does not decrease. But there is a chance to burn the skin or mucous membranes. An effective and safe treatment is the use of antiseptic preparations that do not contain alcohol. During an exacerbation of herpes, it is necessary to treat with special means in the form of Acyclovir. If the patient gets sick too often, then he is advised to strengthen the immune function and take antiviral drugs.
Herpes is a benign disease and affects only the skin. According to statistics, herpes ranks second in terms of patient mortality. It is believed that the herpes virus is embedded in nerve cells, resulting in pimples appear exactly in those places where the nerve endings are located. Because of this, the patient feels pain. Once the immune system is weakened, the virus begins to develop. Possible brain damage, which can lead to death or paralysis.

The spread of herpes

People have always wondered how herpes is transmitted. It is worth noting that the herpes virus is resistant to environmental influences. It does not die in the cold, tolerates high temperatures and lives well in water. If it is present in the environment, it is still not enough for infection. A greater likelihood of infection occurs through close contact with the patient.

In practice, there are three ways of transmitting herpes.

Through touch. If a person touches the formed pimples on the lips of the patient, then the disease will be transmitted one hundred percent. At this stage, the virus is in the active phase and easily enters damaged tissues or mucous membranes.
Then another question arises, is herpes on the lips transmitted by kissing? Yes, you can catch herpes not only during kissing, but also during oral sex.
Through the airborne route. The incubation period for a cold sore is seven to thirty days after infection. After that, throughout life, the virus is in the saliva and mucus of a person. Its quantity is not so large, but with a weakened immune system, this is enough for the development of the disease. Infection can occur during sneezing, talking or coughing.
Through the household way. A person who suffers is dangerous not only for others, but also for himself. But in this case, how is herpes transmitted on the lips? If the patient, after treating the affected area, does not wash his hands with soap, then germs spread to everything that the patient touches.

The varicella-zoster virus is caused by airborne droplets. It often affects pediatric patients. In adults, this type of disease resembles shingles, the nature of which is considered severe.

If we talk about herpes of the genital type, then it is caused by a virus of the second type. Genital herpes, the transmission routes of which are associated with direct contact with a sick person, occurs for a number of reasons. This is referred to.

Sexual contact in the form of vaginal, oral or anal transmission of the virus.
Contact between skins.
Transmission of the virus from mother to baby during the birth process.

Another question is how many days herpes is contagious. Close contact should be avoided for four to seven days until the pimples are covered with a crust. If the formed crust is torn off, then the microbes will become active again. Then the spreading virus will become dangerous for the environment for a few more. How long the disease will last depends on the patient himself and the measures he has taken.

Prevention of the appearance of herpes

It became known that herpes on the lips is a contagious disease. If it is not treated on time, serious complications can occur. This virus lives in almost every human body and for a long time it may not report itself in any way. But when the immune function is weakened, herpes is activated. Therefore, you need to know how you can prevent the development of the disease. To do this, you should follow a few simple but important recommendations.

Timely treatment of herpes on the lips or on other parts of the body. The period of infection lasts until the pimples are covered with a crust. For treatment, it is recommended to take antiviral agents, and smear the affected area with ointments based on acyclovir.
Avoid direct contact. The patient needs to give up kissing, touching and caress for about seven days. This is necessary so that the virus does not infect other people and does not spread further through the body.
Treatment of wounds with cotton swabs or a disk. After applying medicines, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water.
Use of personal items in the form of dishes, towels. During illness, you need to use separate items so as not to infect loved ones.
The use of the drug in the form of Miramistin and oral contraceptives with regular sexual intercourse.
Maintaining immune function. The herpes virus is activated if the body is severely weakened. To avoid a decrease in immune forces, it is necessary to take immunostimulating agents in the form of Anaferon, Ergoferon or Viferon.
Providing the body with adequate nutrition. It is especially important to think about this during exacerbations, when the body is susceptible to various infections. To do this, the patient needs to eat more vegetables and fruits, meat and fish dishes and cereals. As an additional therapy, you can take various vitamin complexes.
Compliance with personal hygiene. After the street, be sure to wash your hands with soap. Especially, such activities relate to young children, whose immune system is not yet fully formed.

With the manifestations of such a viral disease as "herpes", at least once every person had to deal with. The virus has many mechanisms for its own protection, can be easily transmitted and quickly spread among people. Most of them do not attach any importance to the first sign of herpes, which manifests itself in the form of characteristic rashes in the lips, considering this a common symptom of a cold. As a result, people become dangerous carriers of the disease and can infect others. That is why it is necessary to know how herpes is transmitted, its features and forms of flow. This will allow most people to be more attentive to the manifestations of the virus in the body, to prevent its further spread among the population.

How dangerous is the virus?

More than 90% of the population, without knowing it, are carriers of the herpes virus. Most often, this disease manifests itself in the form of blistering rashes that occur on the mucous membranes or skin. The disease after infection of the body may not make itself felt for a long period, activating only when favorable conditions occur.

Types of herpes dangerous to humans:

Simple - manifested by rashes on the face;
type 2 - affects the genitals;
Type 3 - provokes the development of chicken pox or shingles;
type 4 - causes mononucleosis;
type 5 - is the cause of cytomegaly;
Types 6-8 are not yet fully understood, but, according to many experts, can lead to chronic fatigue, as well as the sudden formation of rashes in the form of bubbles.

The most common types of herpes are: labial (appearing on the lips) and genital.

Many people consider the virus to be a benign disease. In their opinion, the manifestation of herpes is just an unpleasant cosmetic defect on the skin, which will disappear on its own after a short period of time. This attitude towards the virus is wrong, since it affects not only the outer parts of the mucous membrane and skin, but has a negative effect on the entire body.

Possible consequences of an advanced form of herpes:

Internal organs are affected;
There are negative changes in the mucous membrane of the eyes, leading to impaired vision or its complete loss;
Severe fever may occur;
Herpes is one of the causes of miscarriage in pregnant women;
There is a risk of violations in the development of the fetus if the expectant mother has an active form of the virus;
Intoxication of the body may develop.

The listed consequences occur quite rarely in humans, but this does not relieve people from the need to know how the herpes virus is transmitted in order to protect their body in advance.

Herpes: ways of infection

The transmission of the virus from the carrier to any healthy person occurs through direct contact.

Main routes of transmission:

Contact;
Airborne;
Contact household.

The contact route is the most common mode of transmission of the virus. Infection occurs by shaking hands, contact sports, hugging, kissing, sexual intercourse, fighting and many other situations. The main conditions for the transmission of the virus is the touch of a sick person to a healthy person. Particles of this infectious disease fall on the surface of the patient's body from the nasal mucosa, oral cavity or genital organs.

Practically any objects ever used by carriers can act as sources of the contact-household method of transfer of the virus to a person. For example, dishes, towels, clothes, bedding, appliances. Avoiding infection with this method is quite difficult. Virus particles travel through the body until they land on the mucous membrane of any other person. If the number of such particles is small, and the immunity of the infected person is high, then the risk of developing an active form of the virus is very low.

The airborne method in rare cases transmits the virus from the carrier to another person who is in close proximity to him.
This can occur during sneezing and coughing of the patient, when the disease is in the relapse phase.

The eighth type of herpes virus (which can cause Kaposi's sarcoma) can be contracted in one of the following ways:

Through blood or tissue (with repeated use of syringes or by organ transplant).
From mother to child. Most often this happens through saliva at the time of a kiss or sharing the same dishes.
Through sexual contact.

Herpes is quite stable and can continue to exist even with temperature changes, exposure to ultraviolet light or ordinary water. Boiling destroys the virions of the virus, but if they managed to get on human skin or household appliances, they retain their pathogenicity for a long period.

Simple and genital herpes: symptoms

Depending on the form and type of the virus, the signs of this infectious disease differ.

In the first type of herpes, the virus infects the skin, as well as mucous membranes in any part of the body. Most often, manifestations are seen near the mouth, on the lips or wings of the nose. Forehead, ears, cheeks are affected in very rare cases. At the site of future herpes, a person begins to feel itching 2 days or a day before the formation of rashes. Herpes is a blisters, the presence of which is accompanied in the affected area by soreness, tingling. The tissue around the rash turns red and swells. The bubbles burst within a week, then crust over, which disappears after 2 days. Usually within two weeks the rash disappears and does not leave a mark.

Genital herpes is characterized by lesions of the genital organs. A typical manifestation of the virus is also accompanied at first by itching in the place where the rash subsequently forms. At the time of urination, pain is felt, purulent discharge may be noticeable. A person may have a headache, there is a general malaise. Sometimes herpes on the genitals does not lead to the appearance of a characteristic rash, its presence is confirmed only in a laboratory study.

The most dangerous carriers of the virus

Anyone who carries the virus can infect other people with it. That is why it is important to understand whether herpes is transmitted if the carrier of the infection does not have obvious symptoms of the disease.

Many people are mistaken in believing that herpes can only be transmitted in an active form, when a person has rashes on the genitals or near the lips on the face. This virus is constantly present in the body of the carrier, and at every opportunity is transmitted to another person during contact. Symptoms of the disease do not always appear immediately, as the virus can exist in an inactive form for a long time. At the slightest weakening of the protective functions, a drop in immunity, the symptoms of herpes become visible on the outer shell of the mucosa.

At the time of exacerbation of a viral disease, an infected person poses the greatest danger. Periods of exacerbation are characterized by the accumulation of a large number of viruses in transparent vesicles. When these rashes burst, viruses settle along with the liquid on the lips, which subsequently enter the external environment, and then infect healthy people.

During the recurrence of the virus and the appearance of herpes on the lips, oral sex is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, the disease will affect the partner's genitals, and a cold on the lips, which seems harmless at first glance, will turn into an extremely unpleasant sexually transmitted disease.

Depending on the ability to catch herpes, people are divided into 2 types:

Susceptible. Such people make up the majority of the entire population (up to 95%). With any contact with the patient, they easily become infected with herpes.
People with unique natural defense mechanisms and strong immunity. This feature of the body cannot yet be explained by scientists, but it allows a smaller part of the population to remain immune to the virus.

Prevention of the development of herpes

The only and most important recommendation of specialists for people with low protective functions before the virus is the desire to strengthen their own immunity. This is especially true for those who are undergoing therapy for a serious illness, when the risk of contracting herpes becomes much higher.

There are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of contracting the virus:

Women can get themselves a special vaccination. This method will reduce the number of relapses and reduce the severity of the symptoms of the disease, but will not destroy the virus itself in the body. The vaccine is valid for 2 years, but sometimes the period may vary depending on the individual state of the body of an individual person.
The principles of hygiene must be followed. This includes not only thorough washing of dishes, but also the mandatory use of your own dishes, body and skin care products.
Eliminate bad habits.
Protect the child from contact with patients with herpes. The mother is no exception, so she can also be a carrier of the virus and infect the baby during feeding or swaddling.
Exclude promiscuous sex life.
Use contraception.
Eat properly.
Maintain good physical activity.
Harden the body.
Avoid contact with patients during the relapse period.
Don't get cold.

After the onset of the first cold weather, many people are increasingly observed. Despite the prevalence of this disease, the vast majority knows nothing about how herpes is transmitted and how to protect themselves from this disease.

In addition, some have not even heard of the genital form of herpes, and even more so they have no idea what the relationship is between the various forms of this disease.

General idea of the disease

It is a viral disease, which is characterized by manifestation in the form of grouped. This disease is caused by two types of viruses, such as. Most often, people have a labial type of disease. The main symptom of this form of the disease is, which is often popularly called the "cold labium".

The second most common type of herpes is the genital form, which affects the genitals and the surrounding skin.

Basically, HSV-1 acts as a cause of the appearance of the face, eyes, and also the central nervous system. At the same time, HSV-2 is the cause of anogenital lesions.

Be that as it may, each type of virus can cause damage to one or another part of the human body. It is also worth noting that some types of herpes can affect various parts of the skin and mucous membranes.

Principle of virus transmission

In order for a person to become infected with the herpes virus, you need to come into direct contact with a person who is its direct carrier. Often, the interval between infection of the body and the first manifestations of the disease in the form of skin rashes ranges from a couple of days to a crescent.

Herpes can only be contracted through direct contact with a carrier of the virus. In order to prevent the possibility of infection, you should know the main ways of transmitting the disease:

with the general use of kitchen utensils and utensils;
through the use of a shared towel;
through dental hygiene products;
in the case of smoking one cigarette for two;
through the use of cosmetics (lipsticks, lip gloss) together with an infected person.

As for genital herpes, they can be contracted through sexual contact with its carrier. In addition, it should be remembered that there is a high probability of infection, even if the partner does not have any visible manifestations of the disease. To exclude the possibility of infection, it is recommended not to forget about the use of condoms, which reduces the risks by almost half.

According to some researchers, the labial form of the disease can be transmitted to a person through sexual contact, which will cause him to develop genital herpes. At the same time, according to other scientists, rashes on the genitals can be caused exclusively by the genital type of the disease.

In any case, with the manifestation of external symptoms of the disease, it is recommended to refrain from any kind of sexual intercourse. It is also worth excluding the possibility of transmission of infection at the time of contact with the mucous membrane of another person.

Ways of infection with other forms of the disease

Most of the other species are transmitted to humans in a similar way as the herpes simplex virus. These are ways like:

By air, as well as in contact with the mucous membrane of the carrier of the disease. Thus, you can get chickenpox, herpangina, and pseudorubella.
As a result direct contact with a carrier of the disease, which is especially true.

It should be noted, however, that there are exceptions. So, for the herpes virus type 8, which causes Kaposi's Sarcoma, the following forms of transmission are characteristic:

through the blood;
tissues of an infected person;
lymph.

Often, this form of the disease is transmitted as a result of the reusable use of syringes during group drug use, as well as through blood transfusions and organ transplants.

Theoretically, the same process is possible with blood transfusion, but today medicine does not know a single case of infection in this way.

There is also a contagious method of transmission through contact with a virus carrier. Due to the high concentration of virus pathogens in saliva during kissing, as well as when sharing utensils and sexual intercourse, there is a high risk of infection.

The sexually transmitted herpes virus type 8 causes Kaposi's sarcoma. In this situation, the risk is associated with an increased concentration of the virus in the secretion of the prostate and semen.

In addition, the virus is transmitted by the mother through the placenta, which in almost half of cases leads to miscarriages.

There is also a theory that the transmission of type 8 herpes virus from mother to child occurs as a result of the use of medical instruments during childbirth, which can damage the baby's skin, opening the way to infection with the virus.

Who is at increased risk of infection?

In terms of susceptibility to this virus, the world's population is divided into two groups. Almost 95% of the planet's population belongs to the first group. Such people are susceptible to the virus and upon contact with its carrier, they will certainly be infected.

The second group of people have a natural defense mechanism against the effects of the virus, which makes them completely immune to it. To date, this natural mechanism has not yet been fully studied, so it is not yet possible to create a universal medicine based on it.

According to statistics, children are at the highest risk of infection. People who need blood transfusions or organ transplants are also at high risk of becoming infected. In addition, members of the family in which the carrier of the disease lives, when using common dishes and kissing, have every chance of becoming infected.

Methods to prevent infection

So far, there are no unambiguously reliable methods for preventing infection with HSV viruses. At the heart of this problem lies the fact that most people who are carriers of the disease are not aware of their status. In addition, people who are aware of the fact that they are carriers of herpes may not care about steps to help prevent them from transmitting the disease to others.

It is worth noting that condom use can reduce the risk of HSV transmission. However, this method does not give a 100% guarantee. The infection can also be transmitted through contact with the patient's skin and kissing.

If taken daily, carriers of the virus can significantly reduce the risk of infecting others.

Now many major pharmaceutical companies are actively working on the development of vaccines aimed at combating HSV. At the moment, there is no pharmacological drug that makes it possible to overcome the virus or create a barrier for the body that will prevent the possibility of infection.

Herpes is a pathology of a viral nature, in which vesicle rashes appear on the mucous membranes and skin, prone to grouping. Is the herpes virus contagious? Certainly yes, and carriers do not always have a clinical picture of the disease, so it is impossible to recognize the virus carrier.

What it is

This is a very common viral disease, its causative agent is the herpes simplex virus. I must say that 90% of the world's population is infected with this virus, but not all of the disease is accompanied by concomitant symptoms. Only 5% of people suffer from symptoms of the disease, the rest do not have clinical consequences.

Most often, the virus affects:

skin;
eyes;
mucous membranes;
central nervous system.

But the most common place of its localization are the corners of the lips and the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Whether herpes is contagious and how to avoid infection is a topic that will be discussed next.

Types of virus

HSV-1 is a type that combines the serotypes of the first and second virus. This is the most common type, with infection most often occurring in the first few years of a person's life. Localization: lips and nasolabial triangle. However, with low immunity, the virus can affect:

mucous membrane of the genital organs;
skin of fingers and toes;
nervous tissues.

HSV-2 is the genital or anogenital type. Is genital herpes contagious? Yes, it is contagious, and infection occurs with the onset of puberty, and women become infected with it more often.

HSV-3 - herpes zoster, which provokes chicken pox in childhood. After an illness, a person develops a strong immunity to this type of virus.

HSV-4 - most often observed in people with immunodeficiency, affects the mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx and lymph nodes.

HSV-5 is a cytomegalovirus. The presence of this type of virus is rarely accompanied by a clinical picture, more often the disease occurs in a sluggish form of virus carriage.

HSV-6 - provokes the development of multiple sclerosis.

HSV-7 is the cause of chronic fatigue and cancer of the lymphoid tissue.

HSV-8 causes a number of malignant diseases.

Since the first three types of the virus are more common, we need to look at them in more detail to find out how infectious these types of herpes are.

Herpes simplex

As a rule, an infectious agent enters the human body through the skin or mucous membranes. Perhaps this is upon contact with a virus carrier, and the airborne route of infection is not excluded. Once in the human body, the virus is introduced into the blood, lymphatic system, affects the nerve fibers and internal organs. For a long time, it can exist in a latent state, and when the immune defense decreases, it becomes activated.

Is herpes on the lips contagious for a child? Of course, a child, being in close contact with a virus carrier, can become infected. In addition, the virus can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child in utero, as well as during breastfeeding. The exacerbation of infection in the mother during this period is explained by the fact that pregnancy and lactation significantly reduce the defenses of the woman's body, as a result of which the virus is activated.

Herpes on the genitals

Is genital herpes contagious? Contagious, and condoms in this case can not 100% prevent infection. The fact is that this type of virus infects the mucous membranes, and they are not completely covered by a barrier contraceptive product. You can get infected with genital herpes not only through direct sexual contact, but also through intimate caresses.

Shingles view

Is herpes on the body contagious to others? Contagious, this type of herpes is simultaneously the causative agent of two ailments: shingles and chicken pox. If the pathological process affects the autonomic nervous system, meningoencephalitis develops. However, if a person has had chickenpox, re-infection with the virus is excluded, and only the activation of one's own virus can pose a danger.

Is herpes contagious on the back? If bubbles with liquid contents appear in the back, these are manifestations of herpes zoster, it is dangerous for those who have not had chicken pox. However, the disease can also manifest itself in people who are immune to this type of virus, this is possible with a decrease in immune defense.

Is shingles contagious to a child? If he has not yet had chickenpox, infection can occur, but in this case, the child will get chickenpox, not shingles. Herpes zoster is transmitted across the placental barrier from mother to fetus.

Is a person who does not have a rash contagious?

You should not think that herpes can be transmitted from the carrier only when he has signs of the disease, that is, a rash. A virus carrier may not have symptoms of infection, and it is impossible to determine by appearance whether he is a virus carrier or not.

Is herpes contagious without a clinical picture? It is contagious, but if the human body is strong and the protective functions work without failure, infection may not occur, as the immune system will fight back against viral agents. But even in this case, it is necessary to observe safety precautions and rules of personal hygiene.

herpes in babies

Is herpes contagious in a child? Children are more likely to become infected with this virus than adults. Even if parents and close relatives do not have herpes, the baby will definitely encounter a carrier of the virus. When a child goes to kindergarten, he may well catch herpes from other children and bring it home. Most often, a baby in children's groups becomes infected with chickenpox, which is provoked by herpes zoster. It is not necessary to protect the child from infection - having had chickenpox in early childhood, he will not become infected with it again. At this age, chickenpox is much easier than in adults, the main thing is to make sure that there are no complications.

Therefore, parents who are worried about whether herpes is contagious in a child who plays with their baby should be told: yes, your child can get infected, but this will allow him to acquire lifelong immunity to this type of virus.

And how long is herpes on the lips and genitals contagious?

As already mentioned, even without rashes, the virus carrier poses a threat to others, however, in the acute phase, infection is more possible.

How long is the incubation period? It depends on the immunity of the virus carrier. But, as a rule, after a week, the affected skin area becomes covered with a dense crust, and the liquid, which, in fact, poses the greatest danger, stops oozing from the wound. At this time, the possibility of infection is sharply reduced, but you need to take precautions for another 30 days, then with normal immunity of the virus, you can no longer be afraid.

Transmission routes

Summing up, we must once again say about all the ways of transmission of herpes.

Type 1 virus:

contact - hands, saliva, serous discharge from rashes;
household - dishes, toys, personal hygiene items;
airborne - kissing, coughing, sneezing;
vertical - the virus is transmitted to the baby during its passage through the birth canal of an infected mother;
transplacental - infection occurs in utero;
blood transfusion - during blood transfusion;
sexual - during oral sex.

Virus type 2:

blood transfusion;
sexual - sexual contacts (oral, anal, vaginal);
violation of the rules of asepsis during medical procedures.

At risk are people who have:

SARS;
hypothermia;
trauma;
menstruation;
stressful situation;
oncological disease;
exacerbation of chronic pathologies;
avitaminosis;
immunodeficiency.

Also, people undergoing immunosuppressive therapy (taking chemotherapy drugs or cytostatics) have a high risk of infection.

Possible Complications

What can a herpesvirus infection lead to in the body?

Genital herpes leads to the development of erosive processes in the reproductive organs of a woman, and can also cause miscarriages, infertility and oncological processes.
In men, genital herpes can provoke the development of prostatitis, bacterial urethritis or vesiculitis,
If the virus enters the mucous membrane of the eye, ophthalmic herpes may develop, which leads to complete or partial loss of vision,
If the pathogen enters the oral cavity, it will certainly penetrate the digestive system, which is why the development of pathological processes in the digestive tract is possible.
Infection of a newborn can lead to heart disease, hearing problems, hepatitis, and if the ailments become more complicated, then a fatal outcome is also possible.
Herpes in pregnant women can lead to the birth of a child with poor hearing, with mental development disorders, with epilepsy, with developmental retardation.

Principles of treatment

Unfortunately, at present there is no vaccine or pill that would permanently rid a person of this insidious virus. Once in the body, the pathogen remains in it forever. But there are drugs that help reduce the risk of activation of a viral infection, they allow you to keep it in the latent phase of existence for a long time.

Since there are many types of the virus and they can be localized in different parts of the skin and mucous membranes, there are many treatment options. A competent specialist should prescribe therapy, taking into account not only the type of virus, but also the age of the patient, the brightness of the clinical picture, the frequency of relapses and the general state of immunity.

Prevention

People who are carriers of a herpes virus infection are recommended by doctors to get vaccinated to boost their immunity. Vaccination can only be carried out during the period of remission, that is, after the last rash, at least two weeks must pass.

Antiviral drugs are another method of prevention, most often prescribed are Acyclovir, Famciclovir, Penciclovir.

Prevention of infection with the virus is as follows:

Minimize contact with the person who has rashes.
Avoid casual sex, even when using a condom. To prevent infection, you can use special antiviral sprays that you need to treat the mucous membranes of the genital organs after accidental sexual contact.
When visiting a public toilet, do not sit on the toilet seat.
Avoid overheating or hypothermia.
Reduce stress.
Timely treat acute and chronic diseases.

Be sure to strengthen the immune system. Bad habits, poor nutrition, lack of rest - all this can impair the body's defenses, leading to infection with a virus or activation of an existing one. Immunity can be weakened by incorrect functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as by long-term use of medications, especially antibiotics.

There are many methods that will help reduce the risk of infection with the herpes virus. Adhering to them is actually not so difficult as it seems at first glance. By maintaining immunity and observing the rules of hygiene, it is possible to avoid infection with herpes, and it is also possible to restrain the activity of the virus for a long time if it is already present in the body.