Herpes Facts

The Herpes Virus Family

There are eight herpes viruses currently known to infect humans. The most common is herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) which is generally associated with cold sores, fever blisters and occasionally genital herpes. The other is herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), most commonly associated with genital herpes and occasionally oral infection. Herpes simplex viruses are contagious and are transmitted through physical contact. Herpes is not a life-threatening disease, but it is a lifelong disease and symptoms can recur at any time.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms

Herpes symptoms can be difficult to recognize if you are unaware you have the virus. In fact, some patients do not experience any symptoms at all. Shedding (multiplying of the HSV virus) can occur in the absence of symptoms through genital secretions. One study found that 70% of people get herpes from a partner who is unaware they have active herpes at the time they transmit the disease.

When people think of herpes they visualize typical symptoms like a “cold sore” or “fever blister”, however symptoms can also include:
• itching
• burning
• redness
• chaffing
• rash
• vaginal discharge
• bumps

Patients and physicians can also confuse symptoms with different diagnosis:

Female
• Vaginitis
• Yeast infection
• Ingrown hair
• UTI/Bladder infection

Male
• Zipper burn
• Jock itch
• Ingrown hair
• Hemorrhoids

It is important that you share with your healthcare provider the symptoms you have experienced or are experiencing, this will aid in your diagnosis and treatment.

Almost 90% of patients that have HSV-2 will experience an outbreak in the first year. On average HSV-2 positive persons may have 4 outbreaks annually. Once infected, the virus will remain dormant until it is triggered again. It isn’t clearly understood what may trigger the virus but it may be attributed to stress, menstruation, vigorous sex, or a worn down immune system. Once the virus begins shedding, the outbreak may occur at the same site as the initial infection or spread to neighboring areas. Lesions or sores will last for 7 to 10 days, however each individual may be different.

The rate of frequency of symptoms can be uncomfortable, annoying and create anxiety. To reduce the frequency of outbreaks, suppression therapy options may be available.

Getting Tested – Should you?

Visiting a physician or STD clinic for an STD screening can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. It is important to openly speak with the physician about your sexual history and the tests that will be performed. Some physicians and STD clinics DO NOT offer herpes testing as part of the routine STD screening.

CDC states that at least 45 million Americans have HSV-2, and there are up to a million new infections each year. Of the 1 in 5 infected with HSV-2, 90% are unaware they have the virus.

African American women have about three times higher risk of acquiring HSV-2 than Caucasians.

Anyone who is sexually active, no matter how many partners, may be at risk for acquiring a STD. There is no clear formula for who is the most at risk, however if you are sexually active, then it is important to know your and your partner’s HSV status.

In recent years, studies have associated a synergy between HSV-2 infections and an increased rate of becoming infected with HIV. The herpes virus can act as a portal for HIV and increases individuals chances of acquiring HIV by two to three times. Additionally, HIV positive patients have a worn down immune system and have a harder time fighting off infection so a HSV-2 infection will increase the progression of HIV.

Pregnant women also need to know their HSV status so they can reduce the risk of passing the virus to their baby during delivery. Neonatal herpes is very serious and can lead to infant mortality. Women who have tested negative for HSV-2 and have had no symptoms should also know their partners status. Should pregnant women become infected near labor, there is increased risk of neonatal herpes. Often a physician will recommend a cesarean section to HSV-2 positive pregnant women to avoid passing the virus to the infant.

Source: Focus Technologies, HerpeSelect Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 IgG Blood Test

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