Can You Get Herpes Without an Outbreak?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40 million Americans have had genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

Features

• Most people who contract genital herpes are unaware they have the virus, the CDC reports.

Types

• Some people who contract HSV-2 never develop symptoms, while others develop mild symptoms or confuse their symptoms with other rashes, according to the CDC.

Effects

• The ability to transfer herpes even if you are symptom-free and have never had an outbreak is called asymptomatic or subclinical viral shedding.

Symptoms

• Individuals who develop itching or pain, followed by bumps that become sores around the genitals, should not ignore these symptoms. A diagnosis of genital herpes helps individuals manage their symptoms and protect others.

Identification

• People who think they may have contracted HSV-2 can have blood tests or a culture taken to diagnose the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic.