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PROTECT HERPES What is it and how is it spread? Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by two herpes simplex virus (HSV type I and type II). Herpes is transmitted from person to person through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, anal and vaginal sex. HSV I usually causes fever blisters and cold sores on the mouth, but can also cause sores on the genitals (cock, ass, vagina). HSV II usually causes sores on the genitals and the skin around those areas. The majority of oral herpes cases are caused by HSV I and the majority of genital herpes cases are caused by HSV II; however, since so many people have oral sex, type-I is appearing more in the genitals. HSV is different from other common viral infections because once it is introduced into the body, it lives there forever, sometimes with only occasional symptoms or with no symptoms at all. What are the symptoms? Many people have genital herpes but don't know it because they have no symptoms. Others have mild symptoms. For those with symptoms, the first outbreak is usually the worst. Initial blisters or sores on/around the cock, ass, or vagina can last five to ten days; sores "weep", then scab over, then heal. Swollen glands, fever, and body aches can also occur. If symptoms are mild, a person may not even notice or mistake for insect bites, ingrown hairs, jock itch, razor burn or another skin condition. Recurrences after the first outbreak seem to be linked to stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, menstruation, and genital friction (new sexual partner after a time of no sex), but more research is needed. Usually recurrences are more frequent in the first year after the initial outbreak. Some people have tingling or itching at the site of the sores before they appear, which can help them prepare for an upcoming outbreak. Why worry about herpes? By itself, genital herpes is not a severe or dangerous infection, although it can cause discomfort and distress. A person with a herpes sore is 3 to 5 times more likely to get HIV if exposed during sex. Also, people with HIV and herpes have an increased amount of HIV fluid in their open herpes sores, which increases the risk of transmitting both diseases to a partner during unprotected sex. How do I test for Herpes? If a sore is present, your health care provider can take a sample from the sore(s) and send it a lab for testing. The best time to test is when the sore is new and not scabbed over. Herpes can be difficult to diagnose between outbreaks. There are several new blood tests that are very accurate for diagnosis. These tests also distinguish type (HSV I or HSV II). Is there a treatment for herpes? There is no treatment that can cure herpes, but three FDA-approved antiviral medications (i.e. Zovirax or Acyclovir, Famvir or Famciclovir, and Valtrex or Valacyclovir) can shorten and prevent outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication. Common short term side effects of these antivirals are nausea and headaches. No long-term side effects have been named. Recent research suggests that certain anti-viral medication taken daily can reduce the spread of herpes to sex partners. How do I avoid getting herpes? Herpes can be spread to the cock/ass/vagina even if they are covered by a condom. Correct and consistent use of condoms can reduce the risk of herpes only when the infected area or site of potential exposure is protected. The best way to avoid transmission of herpes and other STDs is to not have sex or to be in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who is not infected with Herpes. Talk to partners about HIV/STDs before things get too hot. What do I do if I get Herpes? Your health care provider can prescribe medication for herpes that will reduce the number of your outbreaks and reduce the chance that your sex partners will get herpes from you. If you aren't on medication for herpes, and you've got sores or other symptoms, postpone sex until sores go away. Even if you don't have any symptoms there's still a chance you will spread herpes to your sex partner. If postponing sex isn't an option, use a condom to protect yourself from getting other things (i.e. HIV, syphilis) and to reduce the risk of giving herpes to others. Talk to partners before things get too hot. Want to know more? CDC Herpes Fact Sheet |
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