Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a highly contagious virus that commonly causes sores on the mouth or genitals. Once you have it, it stays in your body forever. No medication can cure it completely, though you can control it through medications and home care.

Do you have HSV-2 for life?

HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are lifelong.

Can you pass HSV-2 back and forth?

If both are infected with the same virus type, there is then no concern about passing the virus on. People are resistant to new infections with the HSV type they already have, so couples dont ping-pong the infection back and forth. Dr.

Can an STD lay dormant for 20 years?

There are STDs that can lie dormant and you can continue to be asymptomatic for years. The most important STD to test for in this regard is HIV, which can lie dormant for many years. Anyone who has ever had unprotected sex should consider getting this blood test.