Quick Links
Resources
About myHIVteam
Powered By
Herpes and HIV are two different sexually transmitted infections (STIs), each caused by a different virus. While they share some similarities, they affect the body in distinct ways.
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can lead to painful blisters or sores around the genitals, anus, or mouth. Caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and certain diseases.
Understanding the differences between herpes and HIV — how they’re transmitted, diagnosed, and treated — can help you make informed choices about your health.
Herpes and HIV can both cause flu-like symptoms at first, such as:
However, not everyone gets symptoms. Each condition also has its own unique symptoms that the other does not.
Two viruses can cause herpes: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 usually affects the mouth or face, while an HSV-2 infection more often affects the anal or genital area. However, either type can infect the mouth or genitals, depending on how the virus is spread.
Many people with a herpes infection don’t know they have it, since symptoms are often mild or absent. When symptoms do appear, they usually start two to 12 days after exposure to the virus. People can still spread the virus even when they don’t have symptoms.
HSV-1 commonly causes cold sores (also called fever blisters) — fluid-filled blisters around or inside the mouth. These may be painful or itchy and can form open sores that ooze and crust over.
HSV-2 commonly causes genital herpes. Common symptoms include:
Some people never have symptoms, while others may have symptoms only once or experience outbreaks that come and go. This is known as a recurrent infection, because the virus stays in the body and can reactivate over time.
Flu-like symptoms usually appear in the first two to four weeks after a person is exposed to HIV. If you think you may have been exposed, it’s important to get tested — even if you don’t have symptoms.
Without treatment, HIV can progress to a more advanced and serious stage called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS weakens the immune system significantly, leading to an increased risk for life-threatening infections and certain cancers.
Both herpes and HIV can be passed through sexual contact with someone who carries the virus. However, the ways they spread are different in important ways.
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can spread through direct contact with the skin, saliva, or genital fluids of someone who has the virus. Herpes is more likely to spread during an outbreak (when symptoms are present), but it can still be transmitted when no symptoms are visible.
Herpes may be spread through:
HIV spreads through certain body fluids — such as blood, vaginal fluids, semen, rectal fluids, and breast milk — when a person with HIV has a detectable (not controlled) viral load.
The most common ways HIV is passed include:
People with genital herpes have about twice the risk of getting HIV if exposed.
HIV can be passed through oral sex, but this is very rare. The risk is higher if the person giving oral sex has another STI (like herpes) or if there is semen in the mouth and the person has bleeding gums, oral sores, or genital ulcers.
You can lower your risk of herpes and HIV by getting tested regularly and knowing both your own status and your partner’s. Using latex condoms and not sharing needles or syringes are also crucial for staying safe.
Antiviral medication can reduce the risk of transmission from an infected sexual partner to an uninfected partner. People with herpes can take one of several antiviral medications to help prevent passing the infection to a partner. Avoid sexual contact during an active herpes outbreak.
People who are HIV-negative can take preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
If your partner is HIV-positive, ask whether they are taking their HIV medicines consistently and whether their viral load is undetectable. Consider asking them to share their viral load results with you so you can be sure. Encourage them to take their meds and control their HIV, both for their health and to lower your risk. If you are unsure about their HIV being under control, always use condoms.
There are about 340.1 million people in the U.S. Genital herpes affects nearly 1 in 6 people in the U.S. between the ages of 14 and 49. Between 50 percent and 80 percent of people in the U.S. have oral herpes.
About 1.2 million people in the U.S. have HIV. Fortunately, research shows that the rate of new infections is decreasing.
Herpes is a lifelong condition. Most of the time, people transmit it to others when they don’t have symptoms and may not even realize they have herpes. It’s always contagious, so getting tested and taking precautions is a must to completely avoid passing the disease to others.
A healthcare provider may diagnose herpes by examining any sores on your skin. They might also take a sample from a sore to send to a lab. If there are no visible symptoms, a blood test can check for HSV antibodies — proteins your body makes after being exposed to the virus.
The only way to know if you have an HIV infection is to get tested. HIV can be diagnosed using a sample of blood or saliva. There are three types of HIV tests:
These tests may not detect HIV right away after exposure. Talk to your healthcare provider about when to get tested and how often.
Tests for HIV and herpes aren’t the same. Instead, each test is specific to the virus. However, since herpes and HIV can happen together, they can also be tested at the same time. Your healthcare provider can run multiple tests at once to help check for any conditions that need treatment.
Getting diagnosed with herpes or HIV can bring up mixed feelings. Since these viruses are typically connected to sexual behavior and, in some cases, drug use, it’s normal to feel concerned or embarrassed about what your diagnosis says about you.
But remember, your diagnosis is a private matter. Getting help gives you a chance to take back control and protect your health. Your healthcare provider should never make you feel ashamed for seeking medical care. These conditions are more common than you may think, and they don’t define you as a person.
There is currently no cure for herpes or HIV, but treatment options are available for managing the conditions.
For herpes, antiviral medications can help reduce outbreaks and lower the risk of passing the virus to others. If you rarely have symptoms, you might choose not to take daily medication. If you do have frequent symptoms, some antiviral drugs can be taken orally by mouth to help suppress the virus. Topical treatments (skin creams) are also available, but they tend to be less effective.
Like herpes, HIV can’t be cured — but it can be treated effectively. HIV is managed with a daily combination of antiretroviral medications. These medicines reduce the amount of virus in the body (called the viral load), help protect your immune system, and prevent the development of AIDS. It’s crucial to keep up with your medical appointments. Routine blood tests help monitor your viral load and ensure your treatment is working. Your provider may adjust your medication if needed.
On myHIVteam, the social network for people with HIV and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with HIV.
What steps do you take to protect against infectious diseases? How does HIV or herpes impact your daily life? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
Join
Your privacy is our priority.
A myHIVteam Member
I have both which sucks hopefully one day I don't have to take this medicine anymore.