Herpes is an infection caused by a virus of which there are two strains: herpes type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2).
What is herpes?
HSV-1 primarily affects the mouth and causes what is commonly known as cold sores. However, it can be transmitted to the genitals. HSV-2 primarily affects the genitals. It is rarely transmitted to the mouth. People infected with either of these viruses are infected for life.
- HSV-1 primarily affects the mouth and causes what is commonly known as cold sores. However, it can be transmitted to the genitals.
- HSV-2 primarily affects the genitals. It is rarely transmitted to the mouth.
People infected with either of these viruses are infected for life.
Why get tested?
It is possible to transmit herpes even when there are no visible lesions.
It is important to inform current and future partners of a herpes infection.
Sexual transmission can occur without penetration, orgasm, or ejaculation.
Serology is not the optimal screening test for genital herpes
- The time to detect the infection is particularly long (can easily exceed three months)
- A positive result for HSV-1 does not indicate where the infection is located (mouth or genitals)
- The sensitivity and specificity of these tests are not 100%
- Unlike other STIs, there is no confirmatory test
People with symptoms should consult a healthcare professional.
Signs and symptoms
Most infected people have no symptoms.
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First outbreak: small fluid-filled blisters appear on the genitals or surrounding areas
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The blisters turn into painful ulcers that last 5 to 10 days if untreated
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The first outbreak may be accompanied by fever, body aches, and headaches
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Subsequent outbreaks are often preceded by tingling or numbness, then redness, swelling, and small blisters appear that resolve in 5 to 10 days
The average duration of an untreated outbreak is 10 days. The frequency of outbreaks decreases over time.
Transmission
- Oral sex
- Vaginal intercourse
- Anal intercourse
- Genital contact
- Sharing sex toys
- Mother-to-baby transmission during childbirth
The riskiest time to transmit or contract herpes is when sexual contact occurs while the infected person has visible lesions.
However, it is possible to transmit herpes even when there are no visible lesions, but this is less common.
Window or incubation period
- Culture (lesions required): 24 to 48 hours
- Blood serology (lesions not required): 8 to 12 weeks
Prevention
Wear a condom during all genital contact and during all oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Use a dental dam (latex square) during oral sex with mouth contact with genitals or anus.
Possible complications
- Increased risk of contracting or transmitting HIV
- Serious complications in newborns: lesions on the skin, mouth, and eyes, brain damage that can cause neurological harm
Herpes treatment
There is currently no cure for herpes.
However, certain antiviral medications are used to:
- Reduce the frequency and duration of outbreaks
- Relieve symptoms
- Reduce the risk of transmission
These medications are generally taken for about 5 days. Some people learn to recognize the warning signs of an outbreak and can thus prevent it by taking medication.
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