Genital Herpes is a recurrent, life-long viral infection. Herpes simplex virus -2 or HSV-2, causes most cases of recurrent genital herpes. One million new cases are diagnosed each year. Most individuals infected with HSV-2 have not been diagnosed. Most genital herpes infections are transmitted by individuals who are unaware that they have the infection or who are asymptomatic when transmission occurs.
Important facts
There are two forms of herpes that can be transmitted sexually, herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2. Although herpes simplex 1 is most often associated with cold sores and fever blisters, it can also be sexually transmitted.
During pregnancy, herpes may cause miscarriage or stillbirth.
If active herpes infections are present during childbirth, newborn infants may suffer serious health damage, including developmental disabilities.
The herpes simplex virus remains in the body for life.
Common symptoms
A recurring rash with cluster of itchy or painful sores appearing on the vagina, cervix, mouth, anus, buttocks or elsewhere on the body.
Painful ulcerations that occur when blisters break open.
The primary outbreak may cause pain and discomfort around the infected area, itching burning sensations during urination.
Swollen glands in the groin area
Headache and a general run-down feeling
Initial symptoms usually occur 2 - 20 days after infection but it may be years before an outbreak occurs. Recurring symptom outbreaks can be triggered by emotional, physical or health stresses. During outbreaks it is important to observe strict rules of day-to-day hygiene. Wash hands frequently and do not touch sores. If sores are touched inadvertently, wash hands immediately. Be particularly careful when handling contact lenses or touching the eyes.
How genital herpes is spread
Genital herpes may be passed from one person to another, or from one part of the body to another, whenever contact is made with an active herpes virus. Oral sex can pass herpes from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth.
Herpes is most contagious from the time the sores are present until they are completely healed and the scabs have fallen off. REMEMBER, recent studies show that some individuals are contagious when they have no symptoms. Mucous membranes of the mouth, anus, vagina, penis and the eyes are especially susceptible to infections.
The most common methods of transmission are vaginal, anal and oral intercourse. However, sexual intimacy including kissing and/or skin-to-skin contact with an infected area may also transmit genital herpes.
Treatment
There is no cure.
Symptoms can be relieved and the number of outbreaks reduced with drugs valacyclovir (Valtrex), acyclovir (Zovirax) and famicilovir.
Warm baths several times daily, washing the sores gently with a germicidal soap, and drying them carefully might relieve symptoms.
Prevention and protection
Individuals should refrain from sexual intimacy from the time they know the blisters are going to reoccur until after the scabs have completely fallen off the healed sore.
Condoms and other latex protection offer some protection against the virus between outbreaks.
Hudson Health Center Athens, Ohio 45701 T: (740) 593-1660
