Herpes

Does anyone know of any statistics dealing with the asymptomatic (no symptoms) transmission of herpes?

I recently discovered that I have herpes, but have never had a symptom so far as I can tell. I know it's less likely that you'll spread herpes if you never have an outbreak, but still possible. Does anyone have information?

Public Comments

1. Double click on the following website: http://www.herpes-coldsores.com/std/herpes.htm
2. Less likely but still possible. You still shed the virus though on fewer days than do people who have regular outbreaks on the days when they have no symptoms. Unfortunately having no symptoms does not make you not infectious and 70% of herpes infections are caught from a partner not experiencing symptoms or who has never experienced symptoms. My sister caught herpes from a partner with oral herpes who hadn't had any symptoms for over 25 years. There are several good sources of info: http://herpeslondon.blogspot.com/2006/02/herpes-in-google-answers.html http://www.herpes.org/herpesinfo/asymptomatic.shtml http://jac.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/45/suppl_4/1 Everyone who has herpes sheds the virus at unpredictable, irregular intervals. Some persons shed the virus asymptomatically as little as 1% of the time, and others as much as 75% of the time. It is true that some people never develop lesions, however they are still able to transmit the virus during viral shedding. I think this is true for both types depending on which type is infecting its "preferred" area. Data suggest if you have Type 1 in the genital area however, it sheds far less frequently than than Type 2 in the genital area. Neither type 1 nor type 2 is found in semen but the virus has been isolated in vaginal secretions.Type 1 sheds more frequently in saliva and oral mucosa than does Type 2 in oral infections... which are possible but reports of recurrences of Type 2 oral infections are infrequent and inconsistent. The only test to detect real time shedding is polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This is a relatively new, precise lab method that can detect very minute viral DNA particles. PCR is much more accurate and sensitive than the traditonal, typical swab culture. PCR can even distinguish between types. It is not a test that can be done in your home with a kit, for instance, right before a sexual encounter to rule out asymptomatic shedding. Even with sophisticated laboratory equipment, the results take 24 hours to interpret. The best article ever on herpes, including stats and with extensive info on asymptomatic shedding, is this one below - it is really worth a good look at: http://www.hmf.com.br/download/monografias/m_06.pdf