Herpes is contagious from the first tingling or tight sensation and remains contagious until the skin has completely healed. The risk of transmission is highest during the blistering and oozing stage, but the virus can also be transmitted, less commonly, during periods when there are no visible symptoms. Below, we explain how herpes spreads and how you can help prevent passing the infection to a family member or partner.
Why Does Herpes Keep Coming Back?
Once a person has contracted the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2), the virus remains in the body for life. Stress, exhaustion, intense sunlight or a feverish illness can reactivate the virus, causing another outbreak and making the person contagious again.
Herpes spreads through direct contact, including kissing, oral or sexual contact, and contact with the blisters.
The Stages of the Contagious Period
Tingling, tightness or itching: The virus may already be shed at this stage, before any visible signs appear.
Blisters and oozing: This is the most contagious stage. The fluid inside the blisters contains a high concentration of the virus.
Scabbing and healing: The drying sore can still be contagious. The contagious period ends when the scab falls off on its own and the skin has fully healed.
A recurrent outbreak usually lasts one to two weeks, although it can sometimes take longer. The first infection is often more prolonged and more severe.
Can Herpes Be Transmitted Without Symptoms?
Yes, although less frequently. The virus can be present on the surface of the skin or mucous membranes even when there are no visible symptoms.
If you experience frequent outbreaks, it is worth consulting a dermatologist. Where appropriate, your doctor may recommend continuous antiviral treatment.
How Can You Prevent Passing Herpes On?
While you have symptoms:
- Do not kiss others and avoid oral sex.
- Do not kiss babies, as herpes infection can be particularly dangerous for them.
- Do not share glasses, cutlery, towels or lip balm.
- Do not touch the blisters or pick at the scabs and wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your eyes with hands that may have come into contact with herpes sores.
- If you have genital herpes, avoid sexual contact. Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission, but they do not eliminate it completely.
Why Does the First Sign Matter?
Because the contagious period can begin with the first tingling sensation, it is also worth starting your herpes care at this early stage.
Epavir soft capsules can help at this point. Epavir is an over-the-counter, orally administered capsule for herpes, containing omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) found in fish oil, as well as the amino acid lysine.
It is most effective when you start taking it at the first signs of an outbreak, such as tightness, a stinging or itching sensation, or redness. In many cases, blisters may not develop, while an already established sore may heal more quickly. Take the capsule on an empty stomach, at least half an hour before a meal.
For information about risks and side effects, read the patient information leaflet or ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Even while taking the capsules, continue to follow the precautions above until your skin has completely healed.
What to Do Next
If you are prone to herpes outbreaks, keep your herpes capsules on hand so you can start taking them at the first sign of an outbreak.
Epavir is available in pharmacies, online pharmacies, health-food stores and drugstores in Hungary.
You can find more information about herpes in our other articles.
MEDICALLY APPROVED NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCT AGAINST THE HERPES VIRUS.
READ THE PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET OR ASK YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST ABOUT THE RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS!
