Quick Answer
Yes, herpes sheds virus even when no sores are visible. This is called asymptomatic shedding and accounts for the majority of herpes transmissions. Suppressive therapy reduces shedding by ~50%.
- HSV-2 sheds on ~10-20% of days without symptoms
- Suppressive therapy reduces transmission risk by ~50%
- Condoms reduce female-to-male transmission by ~50%
- Most transmission occurs from people who do not know they have it
Context Most Pages Skip
Asymptomatic shedding is the most important herpes fact most people miss. You do not need visible sores to transmit the virus.
The Numbers
Most transmission occurs during periods of asymptomatic shedding, not during visible outbreaks. This is why suppressive therapy is recommended for people in serodifferent relationships.
⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.
Sources & Further Reading
- CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections
- CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
- WHO — Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet
- MedlinePlus — Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.