Recurrence of Herpes Outbreaks

In most people, the herpes virus can become active and cause a herpes outbreak several times a year. This is called a recurrence. Recurrences are generally much milder than the first outbreak of genital herpes. Symptoms from recurrences might include:

 

Sores may be present during a recurrence, but sometimes they are small and easily overlooked.

 

Sometimes, the virus can become active but not cause any visible sores or any symptoms. During these times, small amounts of the virus may be shed at or near places of the first infection, in fluids from the mouth, penis, or vagina, or from barely noticeable sores. This is called asymptomatic (without symptoms) shedding. Even though you are not aware of the shedding, you can infect a sexual partner during this time. Asymptomatic shedding is an important factor in the spread of herpes.