Whether you have herpes yourself, know someone who does, or are interested in dating someone with the virus - you will be full of questions and concerns. This is totally normal, due to the way that the herpes simplex virus has been demonized, it is often difficult to find unbiased answers to those questions. Although herpes can be considered a sexually transmitted disease, it is often seen as a dermatological condition that sometimes occurs on the genitals. I don't say that to make light of the seriousness of the issue, but just to show that it isn't a killer disease.
Here is one of the most common questions when it comes to dating someone who has herpes, when you do not.
Question: I just started dating this new guy and he has herpes. I really want to to continue seeing him but I'm concerned about contracting genital herpes. How easy is it to get herpes?
Answer: Your concern is a very valid one, especially since you do not have the herpes simplex virus. Oral and genital herpes is transmitted through skin to skin contact. It can be transmitted even when there aren't visible indications (outbreaks) of the virus being present. What this means is that herpes can be passed from one person to the next during a phase caused viral shedding.
Believe it or not, genital herpes can also be transmitted even when a couple uses condoms as protection. Your partner can drastically reduce the chances of you getting herpes by taking daily suppressive treatments like Valtrex. This, combined with the use of condoms should protect you, statistics state that the combination of suppressive therapy and condoms reduce the cross-infection rate by 98%.
Patience, communication and understanding will be the key to a successful relationship like this. Although herpes is easily transmitted, you should not live in fear because there are many things that you can do to reduces the odds. For more herpes dating advice, visit us at http://www.YouGotHerpes.com
