Herpes Outbreaks: Frequency, Types (HSV-1 & HSV-2), and Factors

It varies from person to person and can also depend on the type of herpes.

* HSV-1 (oral herpes): Most people with HSV-1 will have only a few outbreaks in their lifetime, and some may never have any. However, some people may have recurrent outbreaks, especially if they have a weakened immune system.

* HSV-2 (genital herpes): Genital herpes outbreaks tend to be more frequent than oral herpes outbreaks. In the first year after infection, people may have as many as 10 outbreaks. Over time, the number of outbreaks usually decreases, and some people may eventually stop having them altogether.