The virus is shed for one to three weeks postinfection. Latently infected cats (carriers) will shed FHV-1 intermittently for life, with the virus persisting within the trigeminal ganglion. Stress and use of corticosteroids precipitate shedding.
For one to three weeks after infection, the virus is released. Latently infected cats (carriers) intermittently release FHV-1 for life, with the virus remaining in the trigeminal ganglion. Stress and corticosteroid use cause these releases.