Whether or not herpes is contagious after a few years depends on the specific factors that led to the development of herpes. In the case of herpes zoster, there is no contagiousness no matter how many years later. In the case of herpes simplex and genital herpes, there is no contagiousness for several months after healing, with the prerequisite that no inflammatory manifestations occur or that no recurrence occurs. If there is a recurrence, no matter if it is 10 or even 20 years later, as long as there is a recurrence, it is still contagious and the existence of contagiousness is mainly based on whether the patient has developed herpes or a recurrence of herpes. If the patient has shown symptoms of herpes, there is a possibility of contagiousness at that time. If the patient is in a stable phase without any manifestations of the disease, there is no contagiousness.