Herpes Simplex, or HSV, is a chronic viral infection. Herpes is spreading rapidly, infecting approximately one million americans per year.

Approximately 80 percent of those infected with Herpes Simplex are unaware of ever having had any symptoms.

While many are completely asymptomatic, it is common that an outbreak takes place after the initial exposure. However, the outbreak may be minor and misdiagnosed as a vaginal infection, a benign rash, or jock itch.

After the initial outbreak, there may be years before another eruption of lesions.
The painful red blisters are frequently triggered by stress. Even while there may not be visible lesions, or blisters, the virus can still be transmitted to a partner.

Condoms may be effective to reduce the spread of other sexually transmitted dieases, but due to the variety of locations where the blisters can appear, condoms are not a good prevention for herpes simplex.

If you, or your partner, suspect that you may have herpes, even though you are asymptomatic-have  never had any signs or symptoms, the best course of action is to get tested.

A blood test, either an antibody test, (which is OK to use if the infection is an older one, -the antibodies may take some time before they appear) or the more sensitive pcr (polymerase chain reaction) test which can distinguish between herpes simplex type one, or type two.

Being asymptomatic to herpes simplex is no guarantee that you do not have herpes.