People with herpes have relationships and live totally normal lives. There are treatments for herpes, and theres a lot you can do to make sure you dont give herpes to anyone you have sex with. Millions and millions of people have herpes — youre definitely not alone.

Does HSV-2 shorten your life?

Becoming infected with the herpes virus seriously complicates your social, emotional and sexual life, but it is not otherwise a terribly dangerous condition to have. Having genital herpes does make it easier to get HIV (and thus AIDS), but otherwise, the condition is not disabling, and does not reduce lifespan.

Does HSV-2 get worse over time?

It might be annoying, but herpes doesnt get worse over time or cause serious health problems like other STDs can. If you dont get treated for herpes, you might keep having regular outbreaks, or they could only happen rarely. Some people naturally stop getting outbreaks after a while.

Can you die from HSV-2?

Can you die from herpes? Both types of the herpes simplex virus can be very unpleasant but theyre not dangerous. You can not die from genital herpes or cold sores. However, the virus does pose a threat to newborn babies if they are infected during birth.

Should you date someone with HSV 2?

Between outbreaks, its OK to have sex, as long as your partner understands and accepts the risk that they may contract herpes. For example, as long as you dont have herpes sores on your mouth, you can perform oral sex on your partner, including when you have an outbreak of genital symptoms.

Can you kiss someone with HSV-2?

HSV-1 is associated with oral herpes and is easily spread through kissing. HSV-2 causes genital herpes. It is unlikely that you will get HSV-2 from kissing on the mouth, but you can get it from oral sex.

What is the most contagious STD?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. There are more than 40 types of HPV. They can infect the genitals, mouth or throat.

What are the signs of a strong immune system?

Signs of a strong immune system include patients eating right, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting enough sleep. Health care experts in the wellness field are scrambling to keep patients well during a hard-hitting flu season and additional worries about a new coronavirus.