How Long Can Herpes Stay Dormont before getting an Outbreak?

Question: My mom and dad have been married for 26 yrs. My dad has cheated on my mom in the past, at the beginning of their marriage, and mom knows about that. We believe he has been cheating on her again, maybe for a long time. Anyways, my mom just found out she has herpes because recently she had her first outbreak and went to the doctors. My dad and her talked and he said that he has had it for a long time, when he first cheated on her. Could this be possible, if she never had an outbreak before? Or is he just saying that, because it is easier to admit to something she knows about, then admit to been cheating recently? Can herpes actually stay dormont that long?
Mom wanted me to ask this...!

Answers:
Hello Vennessa.

To answer your question, yes, it is possible for the disease to stay dormant for a number of years; however, it isn't probable. Most people will experience their first outbreak within 10-20 days after their exposure and contracting of the disease. I know you hate to think your dad is cheating on your mom again, but that probability seems higher than your mom having this for 26 or so years and never having an outbreak until now. Either way though, he lied to your mom, because if he isn't cheating or hasn't cheated since then, fine, but he kept this huge secret of having an STD from your mom and he got her infected. I hope your mom and dad get a good marriage counselor, because they'll probably need one now.

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#1-- It is absolutely horrible that your Dad had this disease and never told your Mom. I am shocked and saddened by his exposing her to harm. I'm so sorry.
#2- It is possible to remain dormant for long periods of time in the body. Usually the first outbreak occurs within 1-2 weeks of infection, but it is possible to be infected for years without showing any symptoms. I hope that your Mom gets some good counseling.

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