Once infected with the Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), the virus stays in the body for life. HSV-2 has the ability to stay hidden in the ganglia of the sensitive nerves. When local immunity decreases, a HSV-infection reoccurs. The virus travels through the sensitive nerves and reaches the skin where it causes specific skin lesions. A herpes virus is then present in the skin lesions and can be transmitted by direct contact with other people. After some time, the immune system will restrict the infection and skin/mucose lesions will heal (recovery). But HSV-2 can not be eliminated completely. Some viruses will hide in the sensitive nervesâ ganglia and will stay hidden until they cause another re occurrence. Infection canât be transmitted while HSV stays hidden in the sensitive nervesâ ganglia, so a person cannot transmit or infect other people if there is no outbreak of lesions on the skin.