WASHINGTON — High rates of both overall and subclinical viral shedding continue even beyond 10 years among people with genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infection, suggesting that there is a continued risk of transmission to sexual partners long after initial infection.

Can you have herpes for 20 years and not know?

People may notice the first symptoms of herpes around 2–20 days after contracting the infection. In some cases, however, people may have the herpes virus for many years before noticing any symptoms.

How long after herpes outbreak is it still contagious?

Wait until seven days after the sore heals. The virus can spread from sores not covered by the condom.