Who gets herpes simplex?
Most people get HSV-1 (herpes simplex type 1) as an infant or child. This virus can be spread by skin-to-skin contact with an adult who carries the virus. An adult does not have to have sores to spread the virus.
A child can get this virus from an infected adult. A kiss, eating from the same utensil, or sharing a towel can spread the virus.
A person usually gets HSV-2 (herpes simplex type 2) through sexual contact. About 20% of sexually active adults in the United States carry HSV-2. Some people are more likely to get HSV-2. These people:
- Are female.
- Have had many sex partners.
- Had sex for the first time at a young age.
- Have (or had) another sexually transmitted infection.
- Have a weakened immune system due to a disease or medicine.
What causes herpes simplex?
Herpes simplex viruses spread from person to person through close contact. You can get a herpes simplex virus from touching a herpes sore. Most people, however, get herpes simplex from an infected person who does not have sores. Doctors call this “asymptomatic viral shedding.”
How people get herpes around their mouthA person with HSV-1 (herpes simplex type 1) can pass it to someone else by:
- Kissing.
- Touching the person’s skin, such as pinching a child’s cheek.
- Sharing objects such as silverware, lip balm, or a razor.
