Is the herpes virus contagious?
Sep 02, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, herpes viruses are contagious to some extent. It is important to avoid close contact with individuals during the active phase of a herpes infection and not to share personal items such as towels or toothbrushes. If herpes symptoms appear, keep the affected area clean and dry, avoid scratching to prevent the spread of the virus, and seek medical treatment promptly. This is especially important for infants, elderly individuals, and patients with chronic diseases who have weaker immune systems.
Generally, herpesviruses are contagious to a certain extent. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) commonly causes oral herpes. During the active phase, when blisters rupture, the virus can spread through direct contact with blister fluid or saliva. Infection may also occur via sharing personal items such as lip balm and eating utensils. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) usually causes genital herpes and primarily spreads through close sexual contact. The contagiousness is particularly strong during the active phase. Varicella-zoster virus can widely spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact with blister fluid during the chickenpox phase, demonstrating very strong infectivity. Once it progresses to the shingles phase, the virus remains contagious only before the blisters have crusted over, primarily spreading through direct contact with blister fluid.
It is important in daily life to avoid close contact with individuals who are in the active phase of a herpesvirus infection and not to share personal items such as towels or toothbrushes. If herpes symptoms appear, keep the affected area clean and dry, avoid scratching to prevent virus spread, and seek medical treatment promptly. Infants and young children with underdeveloped immune systems, elderly individuals, and patients with chronic diseases should take extra precautions to reduce the risk of infection.
