Herpes Information, Testing & Treatment

The herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes, a common sexually transmitted infection. There are two types of herpes simplex virus, types 1 and 2. Both are highly contagious and can be passed easily from one person to another by direct contact. Genital herpes (usually type 2) is usually transmitted by having sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with an infected person. Even without symptoms, it is possible to pass genital herpes on to a sexual partner. Genital herpes can be also be caught by having oral sex with someone who has a cold sore as these are caused by the same virus (type 1).

As with other sexually transmitted infections, initial infection may be asymptomatic and therefore can "carry" the virus which can be easily spread to others without knowing. Genital herpes is a chronic (long-term) condition. The virus remains in the body and can become active again. The average rate of outbreaks is four to five times in the early years after infection. However, as time passes, the virus becomes less active so there are fewer outbreaks and each usually becomes less severe.

Symptoms

The symptoms of genital herpes for the first time include red blisters that are painful and burst leaving sores in the genital area, rectum and surrounding areas, pain on urination, a high temperature or fever and general aches, pains and malaise. Women may also experience a vaginal discharge and painful blisters and ulcers on the cervix. These symptoms may last up to three weeks, the sores scab and heal and the symptoms go away until the infection reappears. Early symptoms of a recurrent outbreak may include a tingling, burning or itching sensation around the genitals and down the legs before the blisters appear.

Test and treatment

There is no cure for genital herpes however antiviral medicines can control the symptoms. Genital herpes can be diagnosed more easily when the infection is active and the sores are present, so medical attention should be sought as soon as symptoms develop. Early treatment helps alleviate and manage symptoms. A swab (like a cotton bud) is used to collect a sample of fluid from a blister and the sample will be sent to a laboratory to be tested for the herpes simplex virus. It is possible to have genital herpes even with a negative swab test, hence it is important to seek medical attention during active outbreaks.

Antiviral tablets, such as aciclovir (200mg taken five times a day for at least five days or until new blisters have stopped forming) are commonly given for herpes infections. Aciclovir works by preventing the virus from multiplying however it does not clear the virus from the body. Famciclovir and valaciclovir are other antiviral medications that may be used.

For recurrent outbreaks, a five day course of aciclovir can be given to take when the tingling sensation is experienced prior to any symptoms to try and manage them quickly. For more than six outbreaks in a year, or for particularly severe symptoms, a long-term treatment plan or suppressive treatment may be used where aciclovir is taken twice a day for six to twelve months.

It is important to prevent the spread of genital herpes by avoiding intercourse until symptoms have completed cleared and then routine condom use as the infection is always present, even when asymptomatic.