What is this?
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), commonly known as herpes, is a widespread infection that causes painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads through skin-to-skin contact. While it is treatable, there is currently no cure.
There are two types
of Herpes
simplex virus:
●
Type 1 (HSV-1): Primarily spreads through oral contact and causes
infections in or around the mouth (oral herpes or cold sores). It can also
cause genital herpes. Most adults are infected with HSV-1.
●
Type 2 (HSV-2): Spreads through sexual contact and causes genital
herpes.
Most people with HSV have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. The infection can cause painful blisters or ulcers that can recur over time. While medicines can reduce symptoms, they cannot cure the infection.
Most people with
herpes have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, and many are unaware they have
the infection, potentially spreading the virus to others without knowing.
●
General Symptoms:
○
Painful,
recurring blisters or ulcers.
○
New
infections may cause fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
●
First Episode vs. Recurrent Episodes:
○
Symptoms
can differ between the initial outbreak and subsequent recurrences.
○
Initial
symptoms often include tingling, itching, or burning near the area where sores
will appear.
●
Blisters
(cold sores) or open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth or lips.
●
Bumps,
blisters, or open sores (ulcers) around the genitals or anus.
These sores and
blisters are typically painful. Blisters may break open, ooze, and then crust
over.
During their first
infection, individuals may experience:
●
Fever
●
Body
aches
●
Sore
throat (oral herpes)
●
Headache
●
Swollen
lymph nodes near the infection
●
People
can have repeated outbreaks over time.
●
Recurrences
are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak.
Medication can help reduce symptoms but cannot cure the infection.
How is it transmitted?
●
HSV-1
is primarily transmitted through contact with the virus in sores, saliva, or
surfaces in or around the mouth. Less commonly, it can be spread to the genital
area through oral-genital contact, resulting in genital herpes. Transmission
can occur from oral or skin surfaces that appear normal, though the risk is
highest when active sores are present. People with HSV-1 are not at risk of
reinfection with the same virus but can still acquire HSV-2.
●
HSV-2
is mainly transmitted during sex through contact with genital or anal surfaces,
skin, sores, or fluids from an infected person. It can be spread even if the
skin appears normal and often occurs without symptoms.
● In rare cases, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery, leading to neonatal herpes.
●
Virus Location: The herpes simplex virus resides inside nerve cells and
alternates between inactive and active states.
●
Triggers for Activation: Certain factors can reactivate the virus,
including:
○
Illness
or fever
○
Sun
exposure
○
Menstrual
period
○
Injury
○
Emotional
stress
○
Surgery
●
For those whose oral herpes is triggered by
sunlight, avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen can lower the risk of
recurrences.
How to avoid it?
Individuals with
symptoms of oral herpes should avoid oral contact with others, including oral
sex, and refrain from sharing objects that have come into contact with saliva.
Those with genital herpes symptoms should abstain from sexual activity while
symptomatic. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are most contagious when sores are present,
but transmission can still occur even without visible symptoms.
●
Oral Herpes: Avoid oral contact and sharing items that touch saliva
when symptoms are present.
●
Genital Herpes: Abstain from sexual activity during symptomatic periods.
●
Condom Use: Consistent and correct use of condoms is the best way to
prevent genital herpes and other STIs, though HSV can still be transmitted
through contact with areas not covered by the condom.
●
Male Circumcision: Medical male circumcision offers lifelong
partial protection against HSV-2, HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
●
HIV Testing: Individuals with symptoms suggestive of genital herpes
should be offered HIV testing.
● Pregnant Women: Pregnant women with genital herpes symptoms should inform their healthcare providers. Preventing HSV-2 infection is especially crucial during late pregnancy when the risk of neonatal herpes is highest