How long can Herpes be dormant before appearing?
467807
About one in four adults in the United States has genital herpes. However, most people don’t know they are infected because their symptoms are too mild to notice or mistaken for another condition.  A person may show symptoms within days after contracting genital herpes, or it may take weeks, months, or years. For this reason, it can be difficult for people to know when and from whom they may have contracted the virus.
214655
How Do I Know If I Have It? \n\n\nTo see if you have the virus, your doctor may simply examine the cold sore or may take a culture from it. \n\nWhat Are the Treatments? \n\nYou can't cure a cold sore, but you can alleviate the pain it causes by avoiding spicy or acidic foods, applying ice, and using over-the-counter remedies. Look for medicines that contain numbing agents such as phenol and emollients to reduce cracking and soften scabs. Abreva is an over the counter topical remedy used to help speed healing and minimize pain from a cold sore.\n\nIf your cold sore is especially painful or irritating, your doctor may prescribe an anesthetic gel to alleviate pain or an antiviral oral medication to speed healing or prevent recurrence. The antiviral agents currently available for treatment include acyclovir, famciclovir and valcyclovir.  These oral medications are more effective in treatment when started within the first 48 hours of the outbreak.\n\nCold sores can become complicated by a bacterial infection so it is also important to keep them clean by washing gently with soap and water as needed.\n\nHow Can I Prevent Them? \n\nWash your hands after touching a cold sore. \nDon't rub your eyes after touching your cold sore; you could develop an ocular herpes infection, which may lead to blindness if left untreated. \nDon't touch your genitals after touching your cold sore; you could develop genital herpes. \nReplace your toothbrush. \nEat foods high in lysine, or take supplements. \nDon't kiss someone who has a cold sore or use the same utensils, towels, or razors. \nUse sunscreen to the face and lips before prolonged exposure to the sun. \nCold sores -- also called fever blisters -- are a painful infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These blisters are usually caused by HSV Type 1 but can less commonly be due to HSV Type 2. They may show up anywhere on your body but are most likely to appear on your gums, the outside of your mouth and lips, your nose, cheeks, or fingers. Blisters form, then break and ooze; a yellow crust develops and eventually sloughs off, revealing new skin underneath. The sores usually last seven to 10 days and are contagious until they crust over completely.\n\nNinety percent of all people get at least one cold sore in their lives. This first occurrence is often the worst. Some children who are affected may become seriously ill. After the first infection, many people develop antibodies and never have another cold sore. About 40% of American adults, however, have repeated cold sores. \n\nAlthough cold sores generally are not serious, the infection may be life-threatening for anyone who has AIDS or whose immune system is depressed by other disorders or medications. \n\nThe infection from a cold sore may cause blindness if it spreads to the eye; herpes is a frequent cause of infectious blindness. \n\nWhat Causes Them? \n\n Cold sores are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV)-Type 1, which is transmitted by such forms of contact as kissing an infected person or sharing eating utensils, towels, or razors. Genital herpes is usually caused by herpes simplex virus Type 2. A person with a cold sore who performs oral sex on another person can give that person genital lesions with HSV-1. \n\nSores may develop as late as 20 days after exposure to the virus. Once the virus enters your body, it may emerge years later at or near the original site of entry. Approximately 2 days before an attack you may experience itching or sensitivity at the site. The virus may be triggered by certain foods, stress, fever, colds, allergies, sunburn, and menstruation.
35174
Thats good to know. I was never tested for Herpes and then had a outbreak at the age of 28, married for 4 years with 2 kids.\nI never knew.
1158157
Sounds more like common blood blisters to me.  These occur when you masturbate too hard, or have your penis in a strong vacuum device etc., or someone doing oral sex on you is applying a very strong suction.  Herpes lesions are characterized by clear fluid filled blisters on a red rashy background area of the skin.  Your description sounds much more benign than that.  Note that if they go away on their own within 3 to 5 days, they are probably just blood blisters.
410967
The main symptom of herpes are lesions.  The lesions may be singular or multiple (blisters) and appear anywhere in the oral and genital area. The blister will break open to form a shallow lesion that is very painful. \n\nSymptoms usually appear 1 to 30 days after having intercourse. The person may experience flu-like symptoms. The blisters will last from 1 to 3 weeks. They will go away spontaneously, with little scarring, but like with genital warts, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reappear.\n\nHerpes can be treated, but not cured. They can be treated with an anti-viral medication during an outbreak. The anti-viral medication may also be used to prevent an outbreak.\n\nPeople who have only one sexual partner are the least likely to get herpes. If you have more than one partner, or don't know if your partner is having sex with others, it is very important to use condoms.  However, condoms cannot protect areas they do not cover (the groin area, the upper thighs and the abdomen).
10965
An initial genital herpes infection occurs in people who have never been previously exposed to the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms of an initial outbreak are usually the most severe because the body does not have any type of immunity to the herpes virus. This is important because your body does not have the "resources" to fight this first infection. When your body is first exposed to the herpes virus, it responds by attacking the virus with antibodies (a type of protein that is made by your body to fight a virus). Specific immune cells and antibodies now present in your body learn how to target and keep the herpes virus in check. However, the antibodies that attack the virus during specific outbreaks do not eliminate the virus overall, which is why once genital herpes is contracted a person has it for life. Herpes outbreaks are usually milder after your body has produced these antibodies, and after several years you may experience fewer outbreaks or no outbreaks at all. \n\nAfter first becoming infected with the genital herpes virus most people develop symptoms within 2 to 12 days, but it can take days, weeks, months, or even years for any symptoms to appear. Remember, the amount of time it takes for symptoms to appear and the severity of these symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Because of this, it may be difficult to know when and from whom you may have contracted genital herpes. Some people may have mild symptoms or no and not even realize they are having an outbreak of genital herpes, while other people have severe outbreaks and others may have no symptoms at all.
346318
It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for the first outbreak to appear.  It is  usually the worst and longest lasting outbreak.  Encourage him to see a doctor.  I would avoid intercourse.  Good Luck!
392755
yes its possible. herpes simplex viruses can remain dormant in ur body for years once u get the infection and then get reactivated followin a trigger possibly another infection or stress amongst other trigger factors.
49683
Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected.\n\nHSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but it more commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called "fever blisters." HSV-1 infection of the genitals can be caused by oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person who has HSV-1 infection. Genital HSV-1 outbreaks recur less regularly than genital HSV-2 outbreaks.
991081
That is usually how they diagnose herpes. My OBGYN took one look at me and knew I had herpes.\n\nI guess it is possible to go 25 years without an outbreak. It does seem highly unlikely but I guess it could be possible. It's been about 2 years since I had one. But I know that's not 25 years!\n\nIt's good that he is going to go and get tested again. His first doctor may have diagnosed him wrong.
918089
How common is herpes? \nAbout 50 percent to 80 percent of the adult population in the United States has oral herpes (commonly called cold sores or fever blisters), with as many as 90% having the virus by age 50. \nMost people contract oral herpes when they are children by receiving a kiss from a friend or relative. \nAbout one in four persons in the United States has genital herpes; however, as many as 90 percent are unaware that they have the virus. There are many reasons people do not know they have herpes (see below). \nAnyone who is sexually active can contract genital herpes. \nHow is it transmitted?\n\nAny person who is sexually active can get genital herpes. \nHerpes is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact. This occurs when a contagious area comes into contact with a tiny break in the skin or mucous membrane tissue, primarily the mouth and genitals. \nMost skin on the body is too thick for the virus to go through. \nIf a person with oral herpes (sometimes called cold sores or fever blisters) performs oral sex, it is possible for the partner to get genital herpes. \nIf a person with genital herpes has sex, it is possible for his or her partner to get genital herpes. \nGenital herpes can be transmitted sexually both when symptoms are present and sometimes when symptoms are not present. \nThere are several days throughout the year (called asymptomatic reactivation, asymptomatic shedding, or subclinical shedding) when the virus may be present on the surface of the skin, but there are no symptoms. Herpes can be passed through sexual contact during this time. \nThere are no documented cases of a person getting genital herpes from an inanimate object such as a toilet seat, bathtub, or towel. Herpes is a very fragile virus and does not live long on surfaces. \nTesting\nThere are different tests available for herpes. One test, a viral culture, can be done if you are experiencing symptoms. Blood tests are available for people who may not have had symptoms or if the signs have already healed. Not all tests are accurate, however, and many health care providers are unclear on which tests to perform. To find out more about getting an accurate diagnosis, visit our section on Testing. \nReduce your risk\nAny sexually active person may contract genital herpes. Aside from abstaining from sex or mutual monogamy with one uninfected partner, there are many options a couple may consider to reduce the risk of transmission.\n\nSince one in four persons is though to have herpes and the majority of people don't know, if a partner has ever been sexually active, it is possible that she or he could unknowingly have the virus too. Accurate blood tests:hyperlink are available to determine whether a person has antibodies for HSV. Knowing a partner's status can help a couple make a joint decision about whether they need to take steps to reduce the risk of transmitting HSV.\n\nIf one or both partners have herpes, it is important to become educated about herpes, to understand the basics of herpes prevention, and to make decisions together about which precautions are right for you.\n\nIf someone has signs or symptoms around the genital or anal region (genital herpes), he or she should not have sexual activity until all signs have healed.\n\nWhen there are no symptoms present, there is still the possibility of asymptomatic reactivation:hyperlink . Using latex condoms between outbreaks for genital-to-genital contact can reduce the risk of transmission. While condoms don't always cover the potential sites of viral shedding, they offer useful protection against the virus by protecting or covering the mucous membranes that are the most likely sites of transmission. Furthermore, keep in mind that condoms also help reduce the risk of acquiring another STD.\n\nOne antiviral medication for herpes, valacyclovir (Valtrex®), has been shown to reduce the risk of herpes transmission. When a person with a history of recurrent genital herpes takes
29762
Herpes is not a skin disease, you can't catch it through air.\nHerpes is caused by a virus, either Herpes Simplex 1(HSV1) or Herpes Simplex 2 (HSV2). (These viruses belong to a family of viruses that include Epstein-Barr – which causes mono – and varicella zoster – which causes chicken pox and shingles.) It is currently estimated that 50 – 80% of North American adults have HSV1, and 20% have HSV2. \n\nAfter contact, some people will have no symptoms for months or even years, but usually, symptoms occur 10 days -2 weeks after exposure. An infected person will probably notice a sensitive, slightly swollen, sore area that feels hot to touch, itchy, and it tingles and throbs. This is called the prodronal stage. Then, an irregular-shaped lesion appears, very sore, red and ugly. The surface of this lesion sloughs off leaving a wet oozy sore. The liquid from this sore is loaded with the HSV. And is very contagious. The lesion will be present for a week to 12 days, and will gradually heal over, leaving no scar. \n\nThe virus has retreated down a nerve path and is stored in the spinal cord where it can be reactivated any time. Some people learn what will trigger another outbreak - sunshine, certain foods, (tomatoes, chocolate, pineapple) stress or a fever, (that is why some folks call them "fever blisters".) The first outbreak is usually the most severe. It can cause headaches, nausea and general malaise. After that the outbreaks usually lessen in severity and frequency. \n\nSome people will have a couple of outbreaks a year, but some women have an outbreak with the onset of every menstrual period, lasting up to two weeks, so they spend ½ their lives with cold sores. \n\nOther people are infected, carry the virus and never have an outbreak, but they can spread the virus by shedding (more later). \n\nHerpes 1 is usually cold sores on the mouth, commonly spread by kissing.\n\nHerpes 2 is usually on the genitals of either males or females. This is spread by nude genital contact with an infected partner. But here is the rub…. If you have a cold sore on your mouth and you "go down on" your partner, your lip virus can infect their genitals. And if partner has genital herpes and you "go down on" them, you can get Herpes 2 on your mouth. \n\n You do not get Herpes from toilet seats or door knobs, towels or bath tubs. \n\nDiagnosis is by smear and culture, done by your doctor or Sexual Health Clinic when you have an active lesion. There is also a blood test which is quite accurate. \n\nThere is no cure, you have it for life, but there is treatment for oral herpes, an oral medication which you take when you become aware of the prodronal symptoms. This may lessen and shorten the outbreak. For severe cases, the medication is taken every day to prevent an outbreak. This is very expensive and may not be covered by your drug plan.\nPlease go to thses sites to learn more\nhttp://www.talksexwithsue.com/herpes.html\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes\nhttp://www.herpeshelp.com/?rotation=12437409&banner=25520680
1052604
Depending on the STD, anywhere from a week to 20 years. Chlamydia and gonnorhea show up within a week but the symptoms may be so small that you will miss it. HPV and herpes take anywhere from 2 months to 10 years to form and in that time you can be spreading it to other partners and not know it. This is called viral shedding. HIV takes anywhere from a few months up to 20 years to develop. In this time period, you can be tested and tested and tested again, but until the STD actually starts to show its symptoms, you won't know it. The tests wont always tell you if you have it.
273957
It is a form of herpes.
352671
as a person with herpes (unfortunately) i should know that it is possible to have it and yor g/f cannot. you could have had it for a period of time until something triggered it. Stress, anxiety, a cold anything. the best thing to do is when you have an outbreak DO NOT HAVE SEX. this will decrease the chance of her catching it. granted it is not easy to tell someone that you have that but if the person cares abotu you they will understand. go onto websites to give yourself better knowledge about it. hey if you have any questions feel free to ask them. dont be afraid to ask, that is the only way to find things out!! it isnt that much easier for a woman to see than a man. it all depends on how u handle certain situations. my stress may cause me to outbreak more than your or vice versa. \n\nloveless816@yahoo.com if you need to ask anything.\n\n\nP.S. it can lay dormant in ANYONE, not just women
962599
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus that manifests itself in two common viral infections, each marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genitals. The disease is contagious, particularly during an outbreak, and is incurable with present technology. An infection on the lips is commonly known as a "cold sore" or "fever blister". These are sometimes confused with canker sores or aphthous ulcers, which have a similar appearance; these appear inside the mouth and are not caused by the herpes simplex virus. When asymptomatic, HSV lies dormant in the bodies of the nerve cells, replicating within the axons towards the skin during an outbreak. When the outbreak has passed, the virus 'dies back' along the nerve until it is only present in the nerve body.[1] The dormancy of the virus within the nerve bodies contributes to the difficulty of treatment.\n\n\nFor more information visit.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_sores
298141
Prodromal symptoms \nSore appears \nLesion begins to heal, usually without scarring \nIn men, the lesions may occur on the shaft of the penis, in the genital region, on the inner thigh, buttocks, or anus. In women, lesions may occur on or near the pubis, labia, clitoris, vulva, buttocks, or anus. This may require a very careful examination e.g. during delivery examination by use of a flashlight may be necessary.\n\nThe appearance of herpes lesions and the experience of outbreaks in these areas varies tremendously among individuals. Herpes lesions on/near the genitals may look like cold sores. An outbreak may look like a paper cut, or chafing, or appear to be a yeast infection. Symptoms of a genital outbreak may include aches and pains in the area, discharge from the penis or vagina, and discomfort when urinating.\n\nInitial outbreaks are usually more severe than subsequent ones, and generally also involve flu-like symptoms and swollen glands for a week or so. Subsequent outbreaks tend to be periodic or episodic, typically occur four to five times a year, and can be triggered by stress, illness, fatigue, menstruation, and other changes. The virus sequesters in the nerve ganglia that serve the infected dermatome during non-eruptive periods, where it cannot be conventionally eliminated by the body's immune system.\n\nClick below for more information on herpes and pictures.