How Do You Get Herpes?
Medically reviewed by
Dr Clair GraingerLast reviewed: 16 Dec 2025
Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are the 2 main types of the virus. HSV-1 is the main cause of genital herpes and oral herpes or cold sores, while HSV-2 is the main cause of recurrent episodes of genital herpes.
HSV causes fluid-filled blisters that burst, leaving behind open, red sores around the mouth, genitals, and other areas of the body. It is easily spread, so understanding how you can catch it can help you take steps to protect yourself from the infection, especially as there is no cure for it. That means it remains in your body for life, going through periods of inactivity, followed by outbreaks, which may need to be managed with antiviral medication and self-care measures.
How can you get herpes?
You can get herpes in several ways, including through skin-to-skin contact, sex, and even during childbirth by passing it on to your baby. Both oral and genital herpes are easily spread because they can enter through mucous membranes in the mouth or genitals or through cuts or breaks in the skin.
Skin-to-skin contact
The herpes virus spreads easily through skin-to-skin contact, even if there are no visible sores present on the skin, which means you do not need to see symptoms to spread the virus to others. However, you are more likely to spread or catch herpes when there are active sores.
Herpes can be spread by:
- oral, vaginal, or anal contact
- touching sores with your fingers and then touching someone else or another area of your body
Sexual transmission
HSV can be spread during sexual contact, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Some research suggests that 1 in every 1,000 sexual acts results in genital herpes.
Herpes can be spread by:
| Genital to genital contact | Genital herpes can be spread from one person’s genitals touching someone else’s |
|---|---|
| Mouth to genital contact and vice versa | HSV can be spread from the mouth (cold sores) to someone’s genitals, causing genital herpes, especially during oral sex
or It can spread from the genitals to the mouth, causing oral herpes |
| Mouth to mouth contact | HSV can spread from one person’s mouth to someone else’s during kissing |
| Sharing sex toys | Using the same sex toys with someone who has the virus can spread it on, especially if they are not covered and washed between users |
Non-sexual transmission
The virus can be spread through saliva, which means it can be passed on through kissing or sharing items where you may come into contact with saliva, such as lip balm, drinks, or utensils, but it is rare.
Mother-to-child transmission
Herpes infections can be spread from mother to baby, most commonly during childbirth if the baby comes into contact with an active sore. It can also be passed on through contact with sores on the breasts, hands, or mouth after birth.
The infection, known as neonatal herpes, is serious and needs to be managed, so if you get any signs of a herpes infection during pregnancy, you should speak to your doctor or midwife straight away.
How herpes cannot be spread
There are several myths about how herpes can be spread, you can avoid worrying about potential ways you may catch it by knowing the facts. For example, know that the virus does not survive for long outside the body this means that you cannot get herpes by:
✗ sharing toilet seats
✗ sharing towels or bedding
✗ casual touching and hugging
✗ going in swimming pools or hot tubs
How to prevent transmitting herpes
HSV is easily spread between people – it’s estimated that 64% of the population has HSV-1 and 13% of people aged between 15 and 49 have HSV-2.
Herpes can be spread even when there are no visible sores, also known as asymptomatic shedding. This means that it is important to use condoms and take antiviral medication consistently to lower the chance of herpes transmission.
Although it’s easily spread, even through asymptomatic shedding, herpes can be prevented by taking some precautionary measures:
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| ✓ use a condom during oral, vaginal, or anal sex | ✗ have unprotected sex |
| ✓ talk to your sexual partner(s) about genital or oral herpes | ✗ share sex toys |
| ✓ take suppressive antiviral medication if you have been advised to | ✗ have sex during an active infection |
| ✓ wash your hands if you need to touch a sore | ✗ touch sores |
| ✓ get tested | ✗ share personal items like razors or lip balm |
Symptoms to watch out for
One of the first signs of a herpes outbreak is getting tingling, burning, or itching sensations in the affected area.
For example, if you get a cold sore outbreak, you may get these feelings on your lip or around your mouth, while if you have genital herpes, you may notice these sensations around your genitals, buttocks, anus, or thighs. You will usually get these before any sores appear.
Symptoms of oral vs genital herpes transmission
Herpes symptoms include:
| Oral herpes (cold sores) | Genital herpes |
|---|---|
|
|
Once you are infected with HSV, your symptoms can take weeks, months, or even years to appear. Some people may never get symptoms, so they are unaware they have the virus.
If you have a fever, are unable to pass urine, a severe headache, or are unable to swallow fluids these can all be signs of a serious herpes infection and you should see a doctor as soon as possible. You should also contact your doctor if you have HIV or are pregnant to discuss the most appropriate treatment for you.
Treatment for genital herpes
There is no cure for genital herpes, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms and shorten the length of outbreaks. If you keep getting genital herpes outbreaks, you may be prescribed medication to suppress the infection. The main treatment for genital herpes is antiviral tablets.
At Superdrug Online Doctor, we can provide the following antiviral tablets to treat genital herpes.
Aciclovir
Aciclovir tablets contain 400mg of aciclovir, an antiviral medication that works by killing the herpes virus and stopping it from growing. This allows your immune system to manage an outbreak and can reduce viral shedding by 7 days compared to a placebo. The usual dose for genital herpes is:
- acute outbreaks – 1 tablet taken 3 times a day for 5 days
- suppression therapy – 1 tablet 2 times a day for as long as your doctor tells you to, often for 6 to 12 months
Valaciclovir
Valaciclovir tablets contain 500mg of valaciclovir, which, once inside the body, is converted into the active form, aciclovir. It works by interfering with the DNA of the herpes virus, preventing it from growing and multiplying. Valaciclovir suppression therapy can reduce the spread of genital herpes by 75%.
The usual dose for treating genital herpes is:
- one 500mg tablet twice a day for 5 to 10 days for an active infection
- one 500mg tablet once a day until your doctor tells you to stop for recurrent infections
Famciclovir
Famciclovir is an antiviral medication available as tablets, which are converted to penciclovir in the body. It blocks the production of enzymes that the herpes virus needs to survive, helping to manage outbreaks. Famciclovir suppression therapy has been shown to prevent future genital herpes outbreaks in 79 to 86% of people compared to 27% given a placebo.
The usual dose for genital herpes for:
- acute outbreaks – 500mg 2 times a day for 1 day
- suppression therapy – 250mg twice a day for however long your doctor tells you to
If you take herpes treatment and your symptoms have not improved within 7 days, you notice your symptoms getting worse, or you suffer with significant side effects, please contact a doctor for advice.
Summary
Oral and genital herpes are caused by the herpes simplex virus, commonly HSV-1 and HSV-2. They are easily spread through close contact with an infected person, especially during sex.
Although there is no cure for herpes, treatments are available to help manage outbreaks.
FAQs
Can you get herpes from a toilet seat?
No, you cannot get herpes from a toilet seat. The virus dies quickly once it is outside the human body. Instead, it is most commonly spread via skin-to-skin contact.
Can you get herpes without sex?
Yes, you can get herpes without having sex. For example, herpes can be spread by kissing or coming into contact with infected saliva. You can also get infected through skin-to-skin contact or sharing personal items with an infected person.
Can you get herpes from sharing drinks?
Yes, but it is very rare to get herpes this way. Because it can be spread through saliva, sharing glasses, straws, or other utensils can mean that someone with an active sore can spread the virus to others by sharing their drinks.
Can you have herpes and not know it?
Yes, you can have herpes and not know because some people never get any symptoms. In the UK, 70% of people have herpes by the age of 25 and 2 in 3 never get any symptoms.
Can you get herpes from sharing a cigarette or vape?
Yes, it is possible to get herpes by sharing a cigarette or vape, especially if the person you are sharing with has an active sore, but it is rare.
Can you get herpes from sharing soap?
No, it’s unlikely that you will catch herpes from sharing soap, as the virus does not live for long once it’s outside the body.
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