Can herpes be transmitted even when no sores are present?

Herpes can indeed be transmitted even when no visible sores are present, primarily through a process known as asymptomatic shedding. This means that the virus can be released from the skin or mucous membranes without causing any symptoms or visible lesions, allowing it to potentially infect a partner during intimate contact.

Asymptomatic shedding is a crucial concept in understanding the transmission dynamics of herpes simplex virus (HSV). Studies have shown that individuals with herpes may shed the virus on multiple days throughout the year, even in the absence of symptoms. This is why safe practices, such as the use of condoms and open communication about one's sexual health status, are important for individuals with herpes to reduce the risk of transmission to partners.

The other options do not accurately reflect how herpes can spread, as the virus's ability to be transmitted during asymptomatic periods is well-documented in medical literature.