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What
is Herpes?
Herpes is an infection caused by two different but closely
related viruses — herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and
herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both are easy to catch.
They have similar symptoms. And both can occur on different
parts of the body. When the infection is on the mouth, it
is called oral herpes. When it is on or near the sex organs,
it is called genital herpes.
What
are the symptoms of oral herpes?
"Cold sores" or "fever blisters" usually show up on the
lips or inside the mouth. They are common in young children.
Brief, direct contact is all that's needed to pass the virus.
Cold sores are annoying but harmless in children and adults.
But cold sores are very harmful to a newborn. Oral herpes
in adults is usually a "flare-up" of a childhood infection.
What
are the symptoms of genital herpes?
Very often there are none. The most common symptom is a
cluster of blistery sores — usually on the vagina, vulva,
cervix, penis, buttocks, or anus. Symptoms may last several
weeks and go away. They may return in weeks, months, or
years.
The
first episode of symptoms of a genital herpes infection
is called "primary herpes."
Symptoms
include
- blisters
- open
sores
- pain
in the infected area
- itching
- burning
feelings if urine flows over sores
- inability
to urinate if severe swelling of sores blocks the urethra
Very
severe first episodes may have symptoms that include
- swollen,
tender lymph glands in the groin, throat, and under the
arms
- fever
- chills
- headache
- general
run-down feelings
- achy,
flu-like feelings
The
symptoms of later episodes are usually less severe than
the first.
Many
people carry the virus in their bodies but do not have their
first episode of symptoms until they are infected another
time.
How
is herpes spread?
Herpes is spread by touching, kissing, and sexual contact,
including vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. It can be
passed from one partner to another — or from one part of
the body to another.
Herpes
is most contagious when sores are open and "weeping" — until
the scabs heal and fall off. Mucous membranes of the mouth,
vagina, penis, anus, and eyes can be infected easily. Skin
can be infected if it is cut, chafed, or burned, or has
a rash or other sores.
We
now know that it is possible, but less likely, to get herpes
from someone who does not have sores. Over the course of
one year, the chance of getting genital herpes from an infected
partner who has no symptoms is 10 percent.
It
is very unlikely that herpes is spread by contact with toilet
seats, moist towels, or similar objects.
How
can people prevent spreading herpes to others?
There may be some early warning signs before an outbreak
occurs — tingling, burning, or itching where sores were
before. The warning signs may start a few hours or a day
before the sores flare up. It's best to stop having sexual
contact if you feel one of these symptoms.
Touching
sores may spread the virus to other parts of the body. If
you have active herpes:
- Don't
touch the sores. If you do, wash your hands with soap
and water — this kills the virus. Wash your hands
- after
going to the bathroom
- before
rubbing your eyes
- before
touching a contact lens
- Don't
wet contact lenses with saliva — especially if you
have oral herpes.
- If
you have a cold sore on your mouth, don't kiss anyone
— especially infants, children, or pregnant women.
- If
you have a genital sore, don't have sexual intercourse
— even with a condom. Wait until the sore heals. The virus
can spread from sores not covered by the condom. It can
also spread in sweat or vaginal fluids to places the condom
doesn't cover. Having sex, even with a condom, will irritate
the sores, and they will take longer to heal.
How
long does it take for sores to appear after a person gets
infected?
Primary herpes usually begins from two to three weeks after
the virus enters the body. But it may happen earlier. And
it may take much longer.
How
long do sores last?
The sores usually heal in about two weeks. But the virus
stays in the body. It can "flare up" and cause sores again.
Symptoms are more painful and last longer in women or men
with illnesses that weaken the immune system — like leukemia
and HIV.
What
is a recuring outbreak?
When herpes flares up again, it is called a "recurrence"
or "outbreak." The warning signs may occur and new sores
may break out in places where the first ones were. When
symptoms recur, they are not as severe. Recurrences may
be more frequent for people with weakened immune systems.
What
causes a recurrence?
No one is sure. Other infections, stress, surgery, menstruation,
sexual intercourse, and skin irritations like sunburn may
bring on recurrences. A good diet, enough rest and sleep,
and peace of mind may prevent recurrences.
Does
herpes always recur?
Herpes recurs in about half of the people who have it. Recurrences
are individual and vary. Some people rarely have them. Others
have them often.
How
is herpes diagnosed?
Clinicians diagnose herpes by testing fluids taken from
the sores. Sores are often seen during pelvic exams. If
you suspect you have herpes sores, see a clinician as soon
as possible.
It's
important to be sure that the sores are herpes. Other serious
sexually transmitted infections, like syphilis, may look
like herpes but need different treatment.
A
blood test can tell if you have been exposed to the herpes
virus — even if you don't have symptoms.
How
can symptoms be relieved?
Warm baths or wet tea bags (not herbal) may give relief.
Loose cotton clothes will help prevent chafing. Keep the
sores dry by sprinkling cornstarch in underwear — moisture
can slow healing. Holding cool compresses or ice packs to
the sores may be soothing. Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
may help relieve pain and fever.
A
clinician may prescribe acyclovir, famiciclovir, or valacyclovir.
They may speed up the healing of sores and weaken the virus.
Using these medicines during outbreaks themselves is called
episodic therapy.
Is
there a way to prevent outbreaks?
People who have more than six outbreaks a year may be advised
to take small daily doses of acyclovir, famiciclovir, or
valacyclovir to help reduce the frequency of recurrences.
Daily use of these medicines is called suppressive therapy.
Is
it important to seek health care?
Yes. Only a clinician can make a correct diagnosis through
laboratory tests. And the medicines are only available through
prescription.
Is
there a cure for herpes?
No. However, in most cases outbreaks become fewer and weaker
over the course of a few years. They usually end within
five or six years.
What
happens if a woman is pregnant and has herpes?
Most women who have herpes needn't worry. Rarely does a
woman with recurrent herpes pass the infection on to her
newborn. The greatest danger for the fetus is during delivery
if a woman is having her first episode. In some of these
cases, contact with herpes sores can lead to severe damage
of the nervous system — or death. If herpes sores are present
when a woman begins labor, a caesarean section can be done
to avoid infecting the newborn. Very rarely is a fetus infected
earlier in pregnancy.
What
can a woman do to prevent her newborn from getting herpes?
She should tell her clinician if she or her sex partner
has ever had genital herpes. The clinician can help her
watch for symptoms during her pregnancy. Together they can
plan the best care for herself and her baby. She should
avoid unprotected oral, vaginal, and anal sex during pregnancy
if her partner has a history of herpes or if she has any
concerns about being exposed. An infected partner may also
want to consider suppressive therapy throughout the woman's
pregnancy.
Does
herpes cause cancer of the cervix?
No. Cervical cancer is associated with certain types of
human papilloma viruses — but not the ones that cause genital
warts. Pap tests can detect very early precancerous changes
in the cervix. All women should have a Pap test at least
once a year.
Is
there any connection between herpes and AIDS?
Studies show that people with any kind of genital sore can
get HIV more easily.
How
many people have herpes?
Up to 80 percent of Americans have the most common form
of herpes (HSV-1) at some time. It usually appears as oral
herpes and is most often spread without sexual contact.
More
than 45 million Americans have gotten herpes through sexual
contact. Half a million new cases are diagnosed every year.
Most often genital herpes is caused by HSV-2. Millions do
not know they have it because they never had, or noticed,
the symptoms.
Where
can I get more information about herpes?
Many Planned Parenthood health centers have support groups
for people living with herpes. Call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN
to reach the nearest Planned Parenthood health center. -
herpes links information.
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