Herpes Owerwiew

The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact

The herpes virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact and can be transmitted during vaginal, oral or anal sex. The infection can occur anywhere on the genitals, in areas around the groin or pubic area, and in or around the anus. Cold sores on the mouth can cause genital infection during oral sex for those who do not already have the cold sore virus.

The virus can be spread when there is an episode (when there is a sore, blister, ulcer or skin split) or between episodes (when there is no sore, blister, ulcer or skin split present). This is called viral shedding. During viral shedding, you may not be aware that the virus is on the skin surface and can be spread through genital skin-to-skin contact or from the mouth or face to genital skin during contact.

Recurrent episodes

Recurrences are usually less painful and shorter in duration than the first episode. Over time, recurrent episodes usually become less frequent and may eventually stop altogether. Infections caused by HSV1 are less likely to recur in the genital area than infections caused by HSV2.

Recurrences may be triggered by:

• Stress
• Menstruation
• Sexual activity
• General illness.

Summary

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmissible infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV1 or HSV2). The herpes virus can be spread during vaginal, oral or anal sex. Cold sores on the mouth can cause genital infection during oral sex for those who do not already have the cold sore virus. Pregnant women with genital herpes should discuss this with their doctor.

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmissible infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two forms of the herpes simplex virus – HSV1 and HSV2. HSV1 more commonly occurs around the mouth but can also occur on the genitals. HSV2 occurs mainly on and around the genital area.

It is estimated that about one in eight people have the virus that causes genital herpes and about 80 per cent of those infected may be unaware they have this infection. There is no cure for genital herpes but medication can help manage and reduce the severity of symptoms and also reduce the frequency of recurrences.

Many people feel great anxiety about herpes but it is important to remember it only affects the skin for relatively short periods of time.

Pregnant women with genital herpes should discuss this with their doctor, as very rarely herpes infection can be transmitted to the baby during delivery, leading to serious illness.

The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact

The herpes virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact and can be transmitted during vaginal, oral or anal sex. The infection can occur anywhere on the genitals, in areas around the groin or pubic area, and in or around the anus. Cold sores on the mouth can cause genital infection during oral sex for those who do not already have the cold sore virus.

The virus can be spread when there is an episode (when there is a sore, blister, ulcer or skin split) or between episodes (when there is no sore, blister, ulcer or skin split present). This is called viral shedding. During viral shedding, you may not be aware that the virus is on the skin surface and can be spread through genital skin-to-skin contact or from the mouth or face to genital skin during contact.

Symptoms

Many people who have genital herpes are not aware they have the infection because they may not have any symptoms.

The first episode of herpes can cause considerable pain and distress. Symptoms associated with the first episode of genital herpes may include:

• Flu-like symptoms – such as feeling unwell, headaches and pains in the back and legs
• Small blisters around the genitals – these break open to form shallow, painful ulcers, which scab over and heal after one to two weeks
• Small cracks in the skin
• Redness or a distinct rash.
• Some people also have considerable pain and swelling in the genital area and may have additional pain and difficulty passing urine.

Recurrent episodes

Recurrences are usually less painful and shorter in duration than the first episode. Over time, recurrent episodes usually become less frequent and may eventually stop altogether. Infections caused by HSV1 are less likely to recur in the genital area than infections caused by HSV2.

Recurrences may be triggered by:

• Stress
• Menstruation
• Sexual activity
• General illness.

Diagnosing herpes infection

If you think you have herpes, your doctor will need to take a swab from the affected area to confirm the diagnosis. In certain circunstances, a blood test is performed to assist with the diagnosis. You should discuss this with your doctor.

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