How long can you have herpes without knowing
Finding out you have herpes isn't an enjoyable experience. You may want to know how long do you have herpes. If you do get symptoms, it does not mean you have just caught the virus.
How long can you have herpes without knowing? It's possible to have herpes without knowing for a long time, as the symptoms can be mild or absent in some people. Many people with the herpes virus do not experience any symptoms when first infected. In fact, up to 90% of people with herpes may not even realize they have it.
Sometimes herpes symptoms may not be noticed until months, or sometimes years, after being in contact with the virus.
It's possible to have herpes and not even know it. In fact, many people with herpes don't know they have this sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD) because they don't experience any symptoms. This is what's known as asymptomatic herpes.
The first outbreak of herpes usually occurs within two weeks after infection and is often the most severe. Symptoms may include painful sores or blisters on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth, as well as fever, headache, and body aches. However, some people may only have mild or no symptoms at all during their first outbreak.
After the initial outbreak, herpes can become dormant and not cause any symptoms for a long time. However, the virus can still be present in the body and can be transmitted to others even without visible symptoms.
If you suspect you may have herpes or have been exposed to the virus, it's important to get tested by a healthcare provider. They can perform a physical exam and possibly a blood test to confirm the presence of the virus.
Can you have herpes for 20 years with no symptoms?
The herpes virus can lie dormant in the body for years before people experience any symptoms. After people have the first outbreak of herpes, the virus then lies dormant in the nervous system. Any further outbreaks are due to the virus reactivating, which causes symptoms to appear.
Herpes symptoms: How long do they take to show up?
The first symptoms of herpes may become noticeable around 2–10 days after contracting the infection. But, some people can have the herpes virus for many years before symptoms appear.
Some people do not experience any symptoms after contracting herpes. If symptoms do appear, the first to show are usually herpes sores. These sores can appear as blisters around the mouth, rectum, or genitals. They can break open and be painful, leaving sores that can take a few weeks to heal.
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