When is herpes most contagious and not contagious

We all want to enjoy sex with our loved ones. But none of us want to spread herpes to our non-hsv partners. This is why we search for the best ways to avoid transmission of the HSV-1 and HSV-2 herpes viruses.

Those of us who have no visible symptoms, yet still carry the herpes virus, may still infect our partners around 10% of the time. This and the factors influencing it are explained further in the article.

Here are the most popular questions asked by herpes-sufferers:

When is herpes most contagious?
How long until after an outbreak are you no longer contagious?
Is herpes contagious all the time?
Does herpes get less contagious over time?
How long after taking Valtrex are you contagious?
When is the herpes virus no longer contagious?
Is herpes contagious when there's no outbreak?

When is herpes most contagious?

The most contagious periods for any herpes virus is immediately before, during, and after blisters appear. Anyone with blisters and an active disease has to avoid all sexual contact to avoid infecting their loved one. Even the use of condoms doesn't prevent you from infecting him or her with herpes, because not all blisters are covered by the condom.

Some describe an odd, tingling sensation right before an outbreak. In this period, herpes is very contagious, too. This is the best time to take Valtrex to stop an outbreak in its tracks.

How long until after an outbreak are you no longer contagious?

Technically, you're safe as long as your skin is totally healed and you're no longer experiencing pain or tingles. This is when your risk for infecting is low. But you're still contagious as random asymptomatic viral shedding can occur. Wait a week to have sex with a non-infected partner to be safe.

Is herpes contagious all the time?

The herpes virus is mostly dormant while you're not having an outbreak. It's thought to be the most contagious before, during, and after blisters appear.

There is a problem, however.

Sometimes, even without having an outbreak, you'll have periods of asymptomatic viral shedding. This means you won't know whether your virus is contagious or not.

Herpes can be spread through a process called shedding. During shedding, the herpes virus is active on the skin, usually where the person has had blisters or other symptoms before.

Asymptomatic viral shedding happens 10% of the time. The 10% is an average figure. Some will shed more frequently, while others shed less often.

Genital herpes infection due to HSV-2 is one of frequent viral shedding. During the first 6 months of infection, shedding can occur during 20% to 40% of days; with longer-term infection, shedding may occur during 5% to 20% of days.

Unfortunately, because there is no way to tell when the body is shedding the virus without symptoms and when it is not, we are potentially "always" contagious at all times.

Does herpes get less contagious over time?

Research done by the University of Washington in August 2008 found that even 10 years after initial infection, patients were still shedding HSV-2 around 14% of days. You may find that herpes viral shedding continues for more than a decade sadly.

Worry about possible transmission? Find a partner with herpes!

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How long after taking Valtrex are you not contagious?

It depends greatly on a few factors. First, the severity of the outbreak. Second, how fast you were able to react to an outbreak by taking Valtrex.

Valtrex is usually prescribed by doctors for a 7 to 10 day period, which is about the time it takes for herpes blisters to heal.

The benefits of using Valtrex (Valacyclovir) is to decrease the duration of outbreaks, which is the period herpes is most contagious in.

When is herpes no longer contagious?

There's no simple answer to this.

Herpes is most contagious before, during, and after having blisters. When there are no blisters, the virus is mostly dormant. For the most part, you can have sex without passing herpes to your partner.

Some people have very frequent herpes outbreaks, but most never have any symptoms. In other cases, there can be just one or two flare-ups.

There’s a problem, however. It’s called "asymptomatic viral shedding.”

Up to 70% of new infections can be attributed to asymptomatic shedding. Asymptomatic shedding means you have the virus, but there are no outward signs or symptoms of it. The virus is spread mostly when the infected person doesn't realize they are shedding, because they have no symptoms.

Symptom-free herpes contagious 10% of the time. People who carry the genital herpes virus but have no visible symptoms - are still capable of spreading the virus about 10% of the time, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Those with herpes can protect their partners from contracting the herpes virus by using male or female condoms or/and by taking virus-suppressing drugs, such as Valtrex. Condoms and virus-suppressing drugs reduce the risk of transmission by about 50%.

Worry about possible transmission? Find a partner with herpes!

PositiveSingles is 2023 No.1 Herpes dating site and have been on the web for over 20 years. It has 1.7 million online people with herpes.

You can find thousands of nearby singles wiht herpes like you no matter you are looking for a casual relationship or long-term parters. Spend 3 minutes to place a profile and chat now.

We have have the ultimate guide on sex with herpes. With knowledge, care and communication, you will have a safe and fulfilling sex life with herpes. Continue to read the following articles:

Sex with Herpes: how to have a safe and fulfilling sex life
Feel guilty/worried of possible transmission, how to get over it?
How long to wait for sex after herpes outbreak
Does herpes affect libido and cause a low sex drive?
Do condoms prevent herpes? how effective are condoms against herpes?