Someone with recurrent genital herpes (HSV2) will usually have 4 to 5 outbreaks a year. They can happen often or once in a while. Many people notice that the herpes outbreaks lessen in frequency and severity as they grow older.

What can trigger an outbreak?

Several factors may cause the herpes virus to become active again. Trigger factors will vary from one person to another person, and usually can’t be avoided. Some outbreak triggers are believed to be the menstrual cycle, stress, sexual intercourse, injury, another illness (especially with fever), surgical trauma, steroidal medication (eg, asthma medication), and unhealthy diet.

When can herpes be contagious?

Even if you don’t see or feel any symptoms, you can still acquire the active herpes simplex virus in your body.

How can I reduce the spread of herpes?

Genital herpes can still be spread to a sex partner even when you have no symptoms. Most new cases of genital herpes are caught from someone who has an active herpes infection with no symptoms. So, if you’ve ever had genital herpes, it is important to always practice safer sex.

This means you should not have vaginal, oral, or anal sex with uninfected partners when you have active symptoms, such as sores. You should wait until they are completely healed. Between outbreaks, use a condom during sex. Neither of these methods is perfect, but they will help prevent the spread of herpes.

What should I do to help minimize the pain of an outbreak?

Take your medicines as your physician prescribes, and also you should always:

Keep the genital area clean and dry

Wear loose-fitting clothing

Place a cool or lukewarm cloth on the affected herpes area

Try not to touch the affected area

If you do touch the herpes blisters, wash your hands with warm water and strong germ-killing soap immediately

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