| AT A GLANCE |
 |
What it is: Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). HSV-1
most commonly occurs
above the waist as cold sores or fever blisters, while HSV-2 is occurs below the waist as genital sores. |
|
Transmission: Herpes is released from the sores it causes, but it may also be spread when an infected
person has no sores. A person almost always gets HSV-2 (genital sores) from an infected person during sexual contact.
A person may get HSV-1 (cold sores) from an infected person by coming into contact with that person's saliva. |
|
Symptoms: Many people infected with herpes do not know they have it.
However, some people do experience a first outbreak of sores and lesions within two weeks after the virus is transmitted.
Those sores usually heal within two to four weeks.
Other symptoms during the primary episode may include flu-like symptoms or a second outbreak of sores.
An infected person may know an outbreak is coming by "prodromes" (warning signs) that occur beforehand:
itching, burning and tingling or shooting pain in the legs and back.
Infected persons normally have four or five outbreaks per year. Outbreaks may be triggered by stress, sexual intercourse,
caffeine, consumption of alcohol, illness and the arrival of menstrual periods.
|
|
Prevention: Using latex condoms may help protect against infection of genital herpes,
but since condoms may not cover the herpes sores, it is still possible to get the virus while having sexual contact with an infected person.
If you or your partner has genital herpes, it is best to not have sex during outbreaks, and to use latex condoms the rest of the time.
It is advisable not to share drinks with or kiss people who have cold sores to prevent infection. Also, it is possible to get HSV-1 in the genital area during oral sex.
|
|
Testing:
See your doctor or local health department
for testing. Your healthcare provider can give you a blood test which will indicate the presence or
lack of certain antibodies that will show up if you have the virus.
|
|
Treatment: Antiviral medications can shorten and prevent outbreaks.
There is no cure for herpes.
|
|
^ Top
|
