Herpes is one of the most common STIs in the world and can be contracted by people of all ages.
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Herpes is a very common sexually transmitted infection that’s passed from one person to another through skin to skin contact and unprotected sex.
Herpes is caused by the simplex virus (HSV), of which there are two main versions: HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Both versions of the virus cause blisters and sores. When the blisters and sores occur around the mouth, the infection is referred to as oral herpes. But when they occur around the vagina, anus and penis, it’s referred to as genital herpes.
HSV-1 is usually associated with oral herpes, and HSV-2 is usually associated with genital herpes, but both versions of the virus can occur in both places. For example, you can get HSV-1 on your genitals if someone with a cold sore gives you oral sex, and you can get HSV-2 on your mouth if you give oral sex to someone with HSV-2 on their genitals.
Who gets herpes?
Herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact, and the risk of getting it is increased by having unprotected sex.
Many people get genital herpes from having unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone carrying the infection. Oral herpes is mostly spread by oral sex and kissing someone who’s infected.
People often get herpes from someone who doesn’t know that they’ve got it, because it doesn’t always cause symptoms. And once the herpes virus is in your system, it can’t be removed (don’t worry, the symptoms can be treated).
Despite what some people believe, you can’t get herpes from toilet seats, swimming pools or by hugging someone.
Women who get herpes when they’re pregnant are likely to give birth to a healthy baby. There’s a small risk that herpes during pregnancy can cause the baby to contract neonatal herpes. This can be serious, but there’s antiviral treatment that can be given to the baby to treat the infection.
A baby is less likely to contract herpes if its mother has had it before.
Genital herpes is most common in people between the ages of 15-30 due to an increase in sexual activity between these ages.
How common is herpes?
Herpes is extremely common across the world. 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 have the HSV-1 virus, and 491 million people aged 15-49 have the HSV-2 virus.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Herpes
What causes herpes?
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Once the virus is in your body it stays there indefinitely. It can stay dormant for long periods of time, but once it’s reactivated it can cause a breakout. People with the virus commonly experience up to six breakouts of it every year.
The HSV virus enters the body through the skin and travels to the nerves. It does not cause any damage to the nerves, and symptoms are seen on the skin in the form of blisters and sores.
What are the symptoms of herpes?
Most people don’t know that they have herpes because it doesn’t always produce obvious symptoms. Analysis shows that 70% of infections occur from sexual contact with someone who doesn’t know they’ve got the virus.
Symptoms usually occur between two and 12 days after the virus has been contracted.
Symptoms of oral herpes (HSV-1) include:
blisters and sores around the mouth (cold sores)
itching and burning around the mouth
Symptoms of genital herpes (HSV-2) include:
blisters and sores around the genitals and anus
swelling in the groin area
pain when urinating
fatigue
fever
During a breakout, itching and burning are usually felt before blisters appear. The symptoms are more severe the first time you get the virus and tend to be mild or absent during breakouts.
Women are more likely to contract the virus and are less likely to contract HSV-2 (genital herpes) if they already have HSV-1 (oral herpes).
Can herpes lead to other problems?
Pregnant women can pass herpes to their baby and this causes neonatal herpes. This is a rare condition, but can be fatal. It’s treated with antiviral medication.
Having genital sores can also increase your chances of getting other STIs due to the open sores and blisters coming into contact with other infections.
In rare cases, blisters around the genital area can cause inflammation in the tubes that carry urine out of the body and this can cause urine to collect in the bladder. This will need to be taken out of the body through a drain (catheter).
In very rare cases the HSV infection can lead to meningitis as the infection can cause inflammation in the fluid around the brain and spine.
Herpes
What medications are there for herpes?
Once you have herpes, it stays in your body forever because there aren’t any medicines that can destroy it. There are antiviral medicines that can treat the initial infection and soothe painful symptoms. There are also medicines that can help to treat symptoms of future breakouts, and some that can prevent the likelihood of breakouts.
Aciclovir, Famciclovir or Valaciclovir are antiviral medicines prescribed when you first contract herpes. It’s important to start treatment within five days of the symptoms appearing. The treatment is taken daily and can ease symptoms and even prevent an outbreak altogether. A course of treatment usually lasts between three to seven days.
There are creams and ointments available to help ease the painful symptoms of herpes. These soothe cold sores and blisters around the mouth.
Is there a ‘best’ treatment for herpes?
There isn’t a ‘best’ treatment for herpes because the most suitable treatment for you will depend on your body and the type of infection you have.
The best thing to do is speak with a clinician who will be able to help you to develop a treatment plan that suits you.
Does herpes always need treatment?
Whilst there isn’t a cure for herpes, it’s possible to treat the symptoms effectively. It’s important to do this to reduce the risk of passing the infection to others. Analysis shows that 70% of infections occur from sexual contact with someone who doesn’t know they’ve got herpes.
The course of treatment for herpes is short and effective, making it something that can be overcome quickly and easily.
Herpes
FAQ: Herpes
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
How is herpes diagnosed?
Answer:
The first step in diagnosing herpes is to be aware of changes in your body. Sores and blisters around the mouth and genitals are a sign that you need to speak to a clinician. Itching and burning often occur before blisters and sores, so noticing these can help you to catch the infection at an early stage.
A swab is usually used to gently take a sample of skin, or fluid from an open sore or blister. The sample is tested in a lab to see if the virus is present. This type of test can only be done if you have sores or blisters. It’s possible to take this type of test at home.
If there aren’t any visible symptoms, a blood test can be used to diagnose herpes. When the infection is active, your body will automatically produce antibodies to fight the infection. A blood test will look for these antibodies.
There are two different types of blood test: one that tests for the antibodies that are present shortly after the infection first occurs, and one that tests for antibodies that your body makes to fight the virus in the long term.
There’s a risk that the test could confuse the antibodies for other infections with the ones for herpes. Therefore, a swab test is the most effective way to diagnose herpes.
How long do I need to wait for herpes test results?
Answer:
The amount of time it takes to get results from a herpes test depends on the type of test used. A swab at a clinic can take days as it needs to be sent to a lab for testing. Some home testing swab kits offer results in as little as 15 minutes.
Blood tests take longer to process as they have to be sent to special labs for analysis and the results returned to the clinic where the test was carried out.
Can you get side effects from herpes treatment?
Answer:
There’s a possibility that herpes treatment might cause side effects, but not everyone gets them and they can vary depending on the treatment you use.
All medicines come with a package information leaflet that tells you everything you need to know about the treatment you’re taking. It’s important to read the leaflet fully so that you know what to expect and when to seek advice.
If you have any questions about the medicine you’re taking or side effects you experience, sign in to your account and send our clinician a message. They’re always on hand to help.
Why should I buy herpes treatment online with Treated?
Answer:
We are committed to making treatment and on-going care convenient and effective. Tell us about your health, and we can recommend treatments that are suitable and safe for you. You can then choose your medication from our options.
Our clinicians will keep in contact with you to make sure your treatment is working the way it should. And if you’ve got any questions, just sign in to your account and send them a message.
Does herpes treatment always work?
Answer:
Treatment for herpes is highly effective. Clinical trials show that antiviral treatment significantly lowers the chance of recurrence when the virus is already present.
Treatment can also be taken to prevent passing herpes to a partner and limiting breakouts. This is called suppressive therapy and can cut the chance of passing the infection on by 50%.
Douglas, J.M., Critchlow, C., Benedetti, J., Mertz, G.J., Connor, J.D., Hintz, M.A., Fahnlander, A., Remington, M., Winter, C. and Corey, L. (1984).
A double-blind study of oral acyclovir for suppression of recurrences of genital herpes simplex virus infection. The New England Journal of Medicine, 310(24), pp.1551–1556. [Accessed 12 Oct. 2021].
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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