Are outbreaks with HSV-1 common?

Overview. Herpes infections are very common. Fifty to 80 percent of American adults have oral herpes (HSV-1), which causes cold sores or fever blisters in or around the mouth. Genital herpes, caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2, affects one out of every six people in the U.S. age 14 to 49.

What does it mean when you have multiple herpes outbreaks?

Recurrent episodes — Many people experience recurrent episodes of genital herpes, which occur when the virus travels through nerves to the skin’s surface, causing an outbreak of ulcers. These recurrent episodes tend to be milder than the initial outbreak.

Are there different types of herpes outbreaks?

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV I and HSV II. HSV I commonly causes oral herpes, or cold sores. This virus can show up as an upper respiratory tract infection during early childhood. HSV II is the cause of most cases of genital herpes.

Can you have multiple outbreaks of herpes?

Some people may experience more than five outbreaks, while others with HSV-2 may rarely experience outbreaks or be completely asymptomatic. Also like with HSV-1, HSV-2 outbreaks tend to be worst during the first infection, as the body’s immune response to HSV-2 often requires time to fully develop.

Why does my herpes keep coming back?

Herpes outbreaks can keep coming back rather unexpectedly. This is because the herpes virus takes up permanent residence in nerve roots, and can never truly be eliminated (7). Genital herpes outbreaks that occur after the primary infection are called recurrent infections (1).

How often do you get HSV-1 outbreaks?

How often do outbreaks occur? The number of outbreaks someone has varies from person to person. The average number of outbreaks for a person with genital HSV-2 is four to five per year. The average for genital HSV-1 is less than one outbreak per year.

Do I have to disclose HSV-1?

No, it is not illegal to not tell someone you have herpes. However, if you are in an intimate relationship with someone, it is best to let your partner know that you have an STD. This will allow you both to take precautions to minimize the spread of the STD.