What is viral shedding?
When the herpes virus is not active on the surface of the skin it resides in a sleeping state inside the nerve cells and other tissues. At times (which cannot always be predicted), the virus will become active and travel the nerve pathways up to the surface of the skin. It is at these times when the virus has ‘surfaced’ to the skin that viral shedding occurs. Viral shedding is when the herpes virus is active and “shedding” at the site of infection. The herpes virus is considered contagious during this “active” time and can therefore be spread through direct contact with the infected area. It is possible for the virus to be actively shedding itself at the site of infection without showing any visible signs or symptoms. This is referred to as “Asymptomatic Viral Shedding”. Viral Shedding Facts: If the herpes virus is actively shedding there may not necessarily be any noticeable symptoms. Some people never show any signs or symptoms of herpes but can still transmit the virus to their part
