I am pregnant and have had a herpes outbreak. Will this have consequences for my child?
If you were to have an ongoing outbreak at birth, there is a high probability (30-50%) that you will infect the child. Neonatal herpes infection can be serious and will require treatment in a specialist health service. The risk of infecting children with latent disease is low and requires no follow-up beyond usual prenatal care.
I have had herpes outbreaks. Can I infect my partner?
You will not infect your partner as long as you do not have an outbreak.
I have sores on my genitals. How do I know this is herpes?
The doctor will take a sample for PCR from the wound fluid. This will confirm or deny the diagnosis.
I'm pretty sure I have herpes. Can I get treatment before I get an answer to PCR?
If the doctor finds it likely that you have herpes, he will start treatment before the test results exist unless there is a good reason not to.
How much does the treatment for herpes cost?
In addition to consultation with a doctor, tablet treatment will cost approx. NOK 500.
Can I infect my partner when I have herpes cold sores?
Yes. The herpes virus lies in the sores and will spread to the partner through physical contact.
Can herpes be transmitted through anal sex?
Yes.
How long does the treatment take?
5-10 days, depending on the intensity of the outbreak.
What does it mean to have latent herpes?
This means that the person in question is infected with herpes, but as of now does not have an ongoing outbreak.
I have had my first herpes outbreak. How often can I expect that I will receive an outbreak?
40% of women will have recurrent outbreaks in the first year. The figure is somewhat lower for men.
How to get rid of herpes?
How long is herpes contagious?
Herpes virus can be secreted and transmitted even outside of an outbreak, especially just before the outbreak. As a rule of thumb, you are considered contagious from the time you start to feel itching and tingling in your skin until the sores have healed. Therefore, avoid intercourse and oral sex while you have an outbreak to reduce the risk of transmission.
What can you get herpes from?
The herpes virus can be transmitted through direct skin contact, mucous membranes and saliva. Most people get oral herpes already as children when they share food and drink with parents or other children, which can lead to HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection via saliva. The risk of infection also increases during an active outbreak with sores or blisters.
Can you suddenly get herpes?
Yes, it is possible to get herpes even if you have not previously had symptoms or been diagnosed with the infection. Many people infected with the herpes virus experience no or very mild symptoms, and some may be infected without realizing it. It is also possible to get a first infection with the herpes virus long after you have been exposed to the virus.
Can herpes be caused by stress?
Yes, stress can trigger outbreaks of herpes in people who are already infected with the virus. Stress can weaken the immune system, and this can cause the herpes virus to be reactivated, resulting in an outbreak of sores or blisters. However, it is important to note that stress does not usually cause the first infection with the herpes virus, but can contribute to repeated outbreaks in people who are already infected.



