If you have herpes, shedding and contagiousness can occur even when you don't have visible symptoms. Herpes viral shedding is the release of the virus from your skin or mucous membranes without any noticeable sores.

To determine if you are shedding or contagious, consider these factors:
1. **Symptoms**: While active outbreaks increase transmission risk, asymptomatic shedding also occurs.
2. **Testing**: Get tested for herpes regularly to monitor viral activity in your body.
3. **Communication**: Inform sexual partners about your condition and take precautions during intimate contact.

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing contagion risks with herpes effectively.