It may become dormant (inactive) in the nerves and remain there indefinitely. When that happens, the virus travels back along the nerve path to the surface of the skin, where additional virus is shed.At this point the virus may cause an outbreak of symptoms. In either case, the active virus is easily passed from one partner to another through sexual contact.Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the U. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is more often the cause of cold sores or fever blisters. Most people with genital herpes don't know they have it.
Medication taken on a daily basis to suppress the virus can reduce the number of outbreaks and reduce the risk of infecting others.
Symptom triggers can include: In some cases, though, complications from genital herpes can be serious, even life-threatening.
Although it's rare, pregnant women can pass on the herpes infection to their child.
Even wearing a condom may not protect the uninfected partner.
The virus can be present on skin that remains uncovered.