What is Herpes?
Herpes is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI). When the infection is on or near the mouth, it is called oral herpes. Oral herpes is caused most often by HSV-1 (Herpes simplex virus type 1). When a herpes infection is on or near the sex organs, it is called genital herpes. Genital herpes is caused most often by HSV-2 (Herpes simplex virus type 2).
How do people get Herpes?
Herpes is spread by kissing and sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Brief skin-to-skin contact is all that’s needed to pass the virus. People infected with Herpes may have no symptoms for many years, so it is very difficult to know who passed it to whom.
Herpes is most easily passed when sores are open, moist or leaking fluid. Persons are contagious until scabs heal and fall off. Herpes sores can also be spread when no symptoms are present.
What are the symptoms of Herpes?
Most people with genital herpes have no symptoms, have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed, or have symptoms but do not recognise them as a sign of infection. The most common herpes symptom is a cluster of blistery sores usually on the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, buttocks, or anus. Symptoms may last several weeks then go away. They may return in weeks, months, or years.
The first time that symptoms appear is called “initial herpes.” Initial herpes symptoms are usually more noticeable than later outbreaks. During initial herpes, symptoms may also include swollen, tender glands in the pelvic area, throat, and under the arms, fever, chills and headache.
How do I know if I have Herpes?
Only a health care provider can diagnose herpes by performing a physical exam and tests. A blood test can detect herpes infection, even if symptoms are not present.
How is Herpes treated?
There is no cure for herpes, but medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks.
What are the complications of Herpes?
Herpes can cause recurrent painful genital sores and can be severe in people with HIV. Regardless of severity of symptoms, genital herpes frequently cause psychological distress in people who know they are infected.
Herpes may play a role in the spread of HIV. Herpes can make people more susceptible to HIV infection, and it can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious.
How is Herpes prevented?
- Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of genital herpes.
- Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity when lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present. Even if a person does not have any symptoms he/she can still infect sex partners.
