Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Healthy New Jersey

Herpes

Herpes

Herpes is one of the most common viral infections, affecting millions of people worldwide. While it’s a lifelong condition, it’s also manageable. Knowing the facts can help reduce stigma, prevent transmission, and empower people to take control of their health.

This page provides clear, accurate, and compassionate information about herpes, including how it spreads, what symptoms to look out for, and what you can do to manage it.

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Herpes Information

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main types:

  • HSV-1 (Oral Herpes) – Often causes cold sores around the mouth but can also affect the genitals.
  • HSV-2 (Genital Herpes) – Primarily causes sores in the genital and anal areas but can also affect the mouth.

Herpes spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including kissing, oral sex, and vaginal or anal sex. Many people who have herpes don’t realize it because symptoms can be mild—or may not appear at all.

Herpes symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people experience outbreaks, while others never have noticeable symptoms.

Common Symptoms of an Outbreak

  • Small, painful blisters or sores on the mouth, genitals, or anus.
  • A tingling, burning, or itching sensation before an outbreak starts.
  • Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches (more common during the first outbreak).
  • Pain or discomfort while urinating (if sores are present in the genital area).

Oral vs. Genital Herpes: What’s the Difference?

Oral Herpes (HSV-1)
  • Oral herpes spreads through direct contact with saliva or skin, often from kissing, sharing drinks or utensils, or touching sores. It typically appears as cold sores or fever blisters around the lips.
Genital Herpes (HSV-2)
  • Genital herpes is typically transmitted through sexual contact and causes sores in the genital and anal areas. However, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes through oral sex.

Recurring Outbreaks:

  • After the first outbreak, the virus remains in the body and can reactivate over time.
  • Triggers like stress, illness, hormonal changes, or sun exposure may cause new outbreaks.
  • Some people experience frequent frequent flare-ups, while others go years without symptoms.

Why should you get tested?

Since herpes doesn’t always cause symptoms, many people don’t realize they have it. Getting tested is the only way to know for sure.

Testing can help you:

  • Confirm whether you have herpes.
  • Take steps to manage symptoms and prevent outbreaks.
  • Reduce the risk of passing herpes to a partner.
  • Make informed decisions about your sexual health.

Important: Herpes testing is not always included in routine STI screenings, so be sure to ask your doctor or clinic if you want to be tested.

How is Herpes Diagnosed?

There are two main ways to test for herpes:

  • Swab Test: If you have an active sore, a health care provider can take a sample and test it for the virus.
  • Blood Test: If you don’t have symptoms but think you’ve been exposed, a blood test can check for herpes antibodies. However, this test won’t show where or when you got herpes—only that you’ve been exposed at some point.

If you’re unsure which test is right for you, talk to your health care provider.

Visit GetTested.cdc.gov   to search for testing facilities and vaccines near you including tests for HIV, STI, and hepatitis and vaccines for HPV and hepatitis.

There is no cure for herpes, but antiviral medications can help control symptoms, shorten outbreaks, and reduce the risk of transmission.

Common Medications for Herpes

  • Acyclovir (Zovirax)
  • Valacyclovir (Valtrex)
  • Famciclovir (Famvir)

These medications can be taken:

  • As needed during an outbreak to speed up healing.
  • Daily (suppressive therapy) to help prevent outbreaks and reduce the chance of passing herpes to a partner.

Other ways to manage herpes outbreaks:

  • Keep the affected area clean and dry.
  • Avoid touching sores to prevent spreading the virus to other parts of the body.
  • Use pain relievers (like ibuprofen) to ease discomfort.

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent herpes, there are steps you can take to lower the risk:

  • Use condoms and dental dams – These reduce, but don’t eliminate, the risk since herpes can spread from skin not covered by a condom.
  • Avoid sexual contact during outbreaks – Herpes is most contagious when sores are present.
  • Consider suppressive therapy – Daily antiviral medication can reduce transmission risk.
  • Have open conversations with partners – Honest discussions about STI status and testing help protect everyone. Here's more information on how to start the conversation.

If you’re pregnant and have herpes, it’s important to let your health care provider know. Herpes can be passed to a baby during childbirth, which can cause serious complications.

Here's what you can do:

  • Ask your health care provider about antiviral medication in the third trimester to lower the risk of transmission.
  • If you have active sores close to your due date, your health care provider might recommend a C-section to reduce the risk of passing the virus to your baby.

Most people with herpes have healthy pregnancies and babies—the key is working with your doctor to manage the condition safely.

A herpes diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Millions of people live full, healthy lives with herpes.

Here’s what to remember:

  • It’s just a virus. While there’s stigma around herpes, medically speaking, it’s a common skin condition—similar to cold sores.
  • You can still have healthy relationships. Open, honest communication with partners builds trust and helps reduce the risk of transmission.
  • There’s support available. Many online communities and local support groups provide a space to connect with others who understand.

If you need support, consider reaching out to a sexual health counselor or a trusted health care provider.

 

Man with a yoga mat in hand

Take Charge of Your Health

Herpes is common, manageable, and nothing to be ashamed of. Knowing your status, understanding your options, and talking openly with partners are all ways to take control of your health.

  • Get tested if you think you’ve been exposed
  • Talk to a health care provider about treatment options
  • Remember—you are not alone
Find a Testing Center Near You (CDC)