Risk Factors for Oral and Genital Herpes

Risk Factors for Oral and Genital Herpes

Herpes can resolve within 1-2 weeks, but it tends to recur chronically because the virus remains dormant in the body. When the immune system is weakened, or during times of stress or fever, herpes may reappear at the same site or nearby where it previously occurred. There are several risk factors for herpes, including transmission through direct contact and sexual activity. These factors include:

Risk Factors for Herpes


Kissing and Cheek Kisses

Kissing and Cheek Kisses

The first risk factor for herpes is kissing and cheek kisses. Kissing can transmit the virus through saliva, especially if there are sores on the lips. Additionally, if there are any abrasions on the skin, cheek kisses can also spread the virus.

Sharing Items with Infected Individuals

  Another way to easily contract herpes is by sharing items with someone who is infected.  

Individuals who are in close contact, such as spouses, family members, and young children in schools, have a higher chance of becoming infected.

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Unprotected Sexual Intercourse

Another significant risk factor for herpes is having unprotected sex without using a condom. Individuals with genital herpes and their partners—whether currently infected or just recovering—can easily transmit the virus to each other.  

  Therefore, it’s crucial not to overlook the use of condoms. Not only do they help prevent the transmission and spread of herpes, but they also protect you from other sexually transmitted infections.  


Oral Sex

Oral Sex

When engaging in oral sex, a person with oral herpes can transmit the virus to another individual, leading to genital or anal herpes infections.


Close Physical Contact

Another risk factor for herpes transmission is close physical contact. This refers to skin-to-skin contact, even without penetration or ejaculation. If one partner has herpes sores, the virus can spread through direct contact with the affected area.


Contact with Infected Sores

Direct contact with a person infected with herpes can lead to transmission, whether or not they show symptoms. Touching an infected sore can result in the virus entering through cuts on the skin. Additionally, if hands that have touched an infected sore come into contact with the eyes, it can cause an eye infection.


Mother-to-Child Transmission

In newborns, if a mother has an active herpes infection during delivery, there is a 40-60% chance that the baby can contract the virus during vaginal birth. Most infections tend to spread widely and have high rates of complications. However, recent studies suggest that the risk of transmission to the baby is lower because newborns can have neutralizing antibodies from the mother that help protect them, particularly if the mother has had herpes before. 

  Therefore, if doctors find that the mother has genital herpes lesions close to delivery, they will perform a cesarean section to ensure the baby’s safety.  


Using Sex Toys

Using Sex Toys

The final risk factor for herpes infection is the transmission of the virus through sex toys or sexual devices. Even if these are personal items, they can still harbor the virus if not cleaned properly. Some individuals use these items with their partners for anal or vaginal intercourse, which can also contribute to the risk of contracting herpes.


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All the aforementioned risk factors for herpes should be avoided by those who are infected to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Although many people believe that herpes is only transmitted through sexual contact, it can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact or by sharing items. This means that avoiding these risk factors is crucial to prevent reinfection or transmission. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and avoid these risks.

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Composer: Mr.Achawin Thamsoonthorn
  Last edited : 24/10/2024
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