The herpes simplex virus can go unnoticed and undetected for years to a person who has the virus.
For this reason there is no real way to do a spot check to confirm whether or not a person has it.
The most obvious indication that a person is having an outbreak is the actual outbreak itself.
However the skin symptoms associated with herpes can look like anything from a puffy red blister to a small zit.
While type 1 will usually surface on or near the mouth, type 2 can literally appear anywhere below the waist.
It is not just isolated to the genital area.
People who have type 2 often report having outbreaks on their inner thighs, lower back or pelvis area.
The only true way to know if someone has the virus is by suggesting a mutual blood test that would pick up the herpes virus.
More than half of the people who have HSV don't know it - so even the most honest and well intentioned person can unknowingly pass the virus to someone else.
Genital herpes has been demonized by the general population, but the truth is herpes type 1 (oral herpes) is just as contagious as genital herpes.
Not only that but oral herpes can be passed during oral sex and caused genital herpes.
HSV 1 and 2 can be transmitted even when there are no outward signs.
This can happen during the period known as viral shedding.
The herpes virus lays dormant inside nerve cells and when it activates it travels through the nerve cells to the surface of the skin.
Once it reaches the skin it does what is referred to as "shedding", sometimes skin lesions result and sometimes they do not.
When a person with herpes is in the viral shedding stage they are contagious.
Viral shedding occurs at random and isn't always marked by symptoms.
The best way to know that someone has the herpes virus is through blood testing and the best way to avoid getting the herpes virus is through safe and responsible sex.
If you suspect that you may have it, get tested as soon as possible.