I suggest a confirmatory blood test to ensure you were correctly diagnosed.

If you were diagnosed with herpes 20 years ago and only had one outbreak initially, it is possible that the virus may still be present in your body. Herpes is a lifelong infection once contracted, as the virus can remain dormant in nerve cells until triggered to reactivate and cause another outbreak.

It's essential to remember that even without visible symptoms or outbreaks, the virus can still be active within your system. If you have concerns about your current status or wish to confirm whether you are currently shedding the virus asymptomatically, I recommend consulting with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and appropriate guidance on managing herpes effectively over time. Regular monitoring of your condition through medical consultation would help ensure ongoing support tailored specifically to address any potential challenges related to having herpes.

Stay informed by seeking professional advice from healthcare experts who specialize in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as genital herpes—empowering yourself with accurate information regarding management strategies while maintaining optimal health outcomes despite living with this condition long-term.