Herpes Symptoms

What Is Herpes?
Herpes is a common and usually mild infection. It can cause “cold sores” or “fever blisters” on the mouth or face (known as “oral herpes”) and similar symptoms in the genital area (”genital herpes”).

What Causes Herpes?
Either of two viruses can cause herpes: herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). Both are part of a larger family of “herpesviruses” that includes varicella zoster virus, the cause of chicken pox and shingles; and Epstein Barr virus, the cause of “mono.”

Herpes simplex is different from many other common viral infections in several ways. Most importantly, herpes sets up a lifelong presence in the body. The virus can travel the nerve pathways in a particular part of the body and hide away in the nerve roots for long periods of time. This means that even though HSV may not be causing “cold sores” or genital symptoms at a given time, it can still cause symptoms later when HSV wakes up (”reactivates”) and travels back to the skin.

What Are The Symptoms Of Oral Herpes?
The majority of oral herpes infections are caused by HSV-1, and most people contract oral herpes when they are young. This may occur when a child receives a kiss from a person who has a cold sore or from other childhood physical contact (daycare, etc.).

Many people with oral HSV do not have cold sores or other symptoms. It’s estimated that only 20% to 40% of people with oral herpes have recurrent cold sores as adults.

Classic symptoms of oral herpes can appear as a single blister or cluster of blisters (”cold sores”) on the lips but may also occur on other areas around the face such as the cheeks, chin, or nose. Subtle oral HSV symptoms can be easily mistaken for another infection or condition such as a small crack or cut in the skin, chapped lips, bug bite, or a pimple, to name a few examples.

What Are The Symptoms Of Genital Herpes?
Most often caused by HSV-2, symptoms of genital herpes vary greatly from one person to the next. The majority of people have such mild symptoms that they may not recognize the infection for many years. Out of the one in five adults (males and females) in the United States who have genital herpes, more than 80% have not been diagnosed and are unaware they have it.

The most noticeable symptoms tend to occur shortly after a person contracts the virus, when her or his immune response to herpes is not fully developed (”first episode”). Later symptoms tend to be milder because the immune response recognizes the virus and can quickly respond to it.

For some, symptoms during a first episode can be severe, appearing as small fluid filled blisters that crust over and scab like a small cut, sometimes taking more than two weeks to fully heal. Symptoms of a first episode may also include flu-like symptoms, such as fever and swollen glands, particularly in the groin. On the other hand, most people have first episode symptoms so mild they don’t even notice them. It may be another episode, or “reactivation,” that is first noticed months or even years later.

Right before an outbreak, many people experience an itching, tingling, or burning feeling in the area where their herpes symptoms will develop. This sort of warning symptom is called a “prodrome” and often precedes visible signs of infection by a day or two. In some people, prodrome will involve pain in the buttocks, the back of the legs, or even lower back.

How Is It That Herpes Symptoms Can Go Unrecognized?
Many people have very subtle forms of recurrent herpes that can heal in a matter of days. While recurrences of herpes may cause the classic blisters, other symptoms caused by HSV can easily be mistaken for insect bites, ingrown hairs, abrasions, Yeast Infections, “jock itch,” hemorrhoids, and other conditions.

Can Herpes Be Active Without Causing Symptoms?
It was once thought that all of HSV’s active times were marked by “outbreaks”-a sore, blister, bump, rash, or some other kind of symptom like an itch. However, researchers have learned that there are days when HSV can become active without causing symptoms. This is often called “asymptomatic viral shedding.” And during these times, because there are no recognizable signs that the virus has made its way to the skin, there is no way of knowing when asymptomatic shedding is occurring.

How Is Herpes Transmitted?
Herpes is spread most efficiently by direct skin-to-skin contact. More specifically, the soft moist tissue of the mouth and genitals are most vulnerable to HSV if these areas come into contact with the virus.

The following scenarios illustrate how HSV is most often transmitted:

• If a person has a cold sore and kisses someone, the virus can be passed to the other person’s mouth.
• If a person has active genital herpes and engages in direct genital-to-genital contact, the virus can be transmitted from her or his genitals to a partner’s.
• If someone with a cold sore places his or her mouth on a partner’s genitals (oral sex), the partner can contract genital herpes.

Herpes can be transmitted through sexual contact during asymptomatic viral shedding or times when there are no obvious symptoms. Herpes is often passed by people who do not know they have herpes, or by people who simply don’t recognize that their herpes infection is in an active phase.

Can Herpes Be Prevented?
Preventing herpes can be a difficult challenge. First, HSV is widespread, with more than two out of three adults infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2. Second, most people who have HSV are unaware that they have the infection. And third, even among those who are aware of their infection, there are times of asymptomatic viral shedding when HSV becomes active without symptoms and can be transmitted.

While there are vaccines in development to prevent herpes (such as the vaccine used in the Herpevac Trial for Women), currently the only 100% effective method of preventing genital herpes infection is to abstain from any form of genital-to-genital contact or oral-to-genital contact. However, given that most adults will have a sexual relationship at some point in their lives, it is important to understand how herpes is transmitted along with other ways to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

How Can One Reduce The Risk Of Getting Herpes?
In a sexual relationship, there are ways to reduce the risk of contracting herpes:

• Talk. Talk with a partner about herpes, other sexually transmitted diseases and birth control before engaging in sexual contact. Finding out if a partner has herpes or other STDs can help both individuals decide which precautions are right for them.
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with herpes lesions. If your partner has a cold sore or a genital lesion, avoid kissing, oral-genital, or genital-to-genital contact. Symptoms of prodrome and outbreaks indicate viral activity and pose the greatest risk of passing the virus to another person.
• Use condoms between outbreaks as a guard against unrecognized herpes. Consistent and correct use of condoms effectively reduces (but does not eliminate) the risk of contracting herpes. Condoms are not recommended as protection during herpes outbreaks because a lesion may be in a place the condom doesn’t cover. But they decrease the risk of genital herpes during asymptomatic shedding, especially if used consistently.
• Antiviral medication may help. For individuals with genital herpes, taking a 500mg dose of valacyclovir each day has been shown to decrease the risk of a partner developing genital herpes symptoms by 77% and the overall risk of HSV infection by 50%.

What About Pregnancy?
Transmission of herpes to newborns is rare and most mothers with a history of genital herpes have vaginal deliveries and healthy babies. However, an infant who gets herpes can become very ill or die. If a woman becomes pregnant, it is important to tell her health care provider if either she or her partner has genital herpes.

If a woman has no history of herpes but has a sexual partner who does, it is especially important that she avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy. A first infection during late pregnancy is the most serious risk to the baby.

What About Testing For Herpes?
There are several tests for herpes. If signs and symptoms are present, a health care provider can look at the area, take a sample (culture) from the symptomatic area, and test to see if the herpes virus is present. From this culture test, a second test can be run to tell whether the virus present is HSV-1 or HSV-2. A culture test will not work if the lesions have healed, and might not work if they’re more than a few days old.

Blood tests are also available to test to see if a person has herpes. “Type-specific blood tests” can accurately determine if a person has HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 by looking for an immune response (antibodies) to the virus. Some older blood tests for herpes are not “type-specific” and can give false results. Therefore, if a blood test is performed, it is important to ensure that it can accurately identify HSV antibodies.

The tests used in the Herpevac Trial for Women fall within this type-specific category.

What Is The Meaning Of A ‘Positive’ Herpes Blood Test?
Even the type-specific blood tests, such as the ones used in the Herpevac Trial for Women, have some limitations. The antibodies they detect indicate long-term HSV infection, but these tests alone cannot tell for certain whether the infection is oral or genital.

If someone tests positive for HSV-1 or HSV-2…

• A positive HSV-1 result most likely indicates an oral infection, though HSV-1 can also cause genital infection.
• A positive HSV-2 test result strongly indicates genital herpes. It is rare for oral herpes to be caused by HSV-2.
• It is also possible to test positive for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Testing positive for both simply means that a person has both oral and genital herpes, which is not uncommon.

What Is The Meaning Of A ‘Negative’ Herpes Blood Test?
Testing negative for HSV-1 and HSV-2 indicates that the individual has not contracted a herpes infection. Females who test negative for both types of HSV may be eligible to participate in the Herpevac Trial for Women.

How can people prevent HPV-related diseases?

There are important steps girls and women can take to prevent cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine can protect against most cervical cancers (see above). Cervical cancer can also be prevented with routine cervical cancer screening and follow-up of abnormal results. The Pap test can identify abnormal or pre-cancerous changes in the cervix so that they can be removed before cancer develops. An HPV DNA test, which can find high-risk HPV on a woman’s cervix, may also be used with a Pap test in certain cases. The HPV test can help healthcare professionals decide if more tests or treatment are needed. Even women who got the vaccine when they were younger need regular cervical cancer screening because the vaccine does not protect against all cervical cancers.

There is currently no vaccine licensed to prevent HPV-related diseases in men. Studies are now being done to find out if the vaccine is also safe in men, and if it can protect them against HPV and related conditions. The FDA will consider licensing the vaccine for boys and men if there is proof that it is safe and effective for them. There is also no approved screening test to find early signs of penile or anal cancer. Some experts recommend yearly anal Pap tests for gay and bisexual men and for HIV-positive persons because anal cancer is more common in these populations. Scientists are still studying how best to screen for penile and anal cancers in those who may be at highest risk for those diseases.

Generally, cesarean delivery is not recommended for women with genital warts to prevent RRP in their babies. This is because it is unclear whether cesarean delivery actually prevents RRP in infants and children.

Herpes Genital

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• ¿Qué es el herpes genital?
• ¿Qué tan común es el herpes genital?
• ¿Cómo se contrae el herpes genital?
• ¿Cuáles son los signos y síntomas del herpes genital?
• ¿Cuáles son las complicaciones del herpes genital?
• ¿Cómo se diagnostica el herpes genital?
• ¿Hay tratamiento para el herpes?
• ¿Cómo puede prevenirse el herpes?

 

¿Qué es el herpes genital?

El herpes genital es una enfermedad de transmisión sexual (ETS) causada por los virus del herpes simple tipo 1 (HSV-1) y tipo 2 (HSV-2). La mayoría de los herpes genitales son causados por el tipo HSV-2. La mayoría de las personas con HSV-1 o HSV-2 no presentan signos ni síntomas de la infección o presentan síntomas mínimos. Si se presentan signos, éstos usualmente aparecen en forma de ampolla o ampollas en los genitales o el recto o alrededor de los mismos. Las ampollas se rompen y dejan úlceras dolorosas (llagas) que pueden tardar de dos a cuatro semanas en curarse la primera vez que se presentan. Típicamente, puede presentarse otro brote semanas o meses después del primero, pero casi siempre es menos intenso y de más corta duración. A pesar de que la infección puede permanecer en forma indefinida en el organismo, la cantidad de brotes tiende a disminuir a medida que pasan los años.

¿Qué tan común es el herpes genital?

Los resultados de un estudio representativo a nivel nacional revelan que el herpes genital es de frecuente ocurrencia en los Estados Unidos. Nacionalmente, por lo menos 45 millones de personas de 12 años en adelante o uno de cada cinco adolescentes y adultos ha tenido una infección de HSV. Entre finales de 1970 y principios de 1990, se incrementó en un 30 por ciento el número de estadounidenses con la infección del herpes genital.

La infección por HSV-2 genital es más frecuente en las mujeres (aproximadamente una de cada cuatro mujeres) que entre los hombres (casi uno de cada cinco). Esto puede deberse a que es más probable que ocurra la transmisión de hombre a mujer que la transmisión de mujer a hombre.

¿Cómo se contrae el herpes genital?

El HSV-1 y el HSV-2 pueden encontrarse en las úlceras causadas por los virus y ser liberados por las mismas, pero entre brote y brote los virus también pueden ser liberados por la piel que no parece afectada o que no tiene úlceras. Por lo general, una persona solo puede infectarse con el HSV-2 durante el contacto sexual con alguien que tiene una infección por HSV-2 genital. La transmisión puede darse a partir de una pareja sexual infectada que no tiene una úlcera visible y que no sepa que está infectada.

El HSV-1 puede causar herpes genital, pero más frecuentemente causa infecciones de la boca y los labios, también llamadas “ampollas febriles”. La infección por HSV-1 en los genitales puede ser causada por contacto oral-genital o contacto genital-genital con una persona que tiene la infección por HSV-1. Los brotes del HSV-1 genital reaparecen con menos regularidad que los brotes del HSV-2 genital.

¿Cuáles son los signos y síntomas del herpes genital?

La mayoría de personas infectadas con el HSV-2 no saben que tienen la infección. Sin embargo, si se presentan signos y síntomas durante el primer brote, éstos pueden ser bastante pronunciados. El primer brote ocurre generalmente dentro de las dos semanas siguientes a la transmisión del virus y las úlceras se curan típicamente dentro de dos a cuatro semanas. Otros signos y síntomas durante el episodio primario pueden incluir una segunda serie de úlceras y síntomas parecidos a la gripe, entre ellos fiebre e inflamación de las glándulas. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las personas con la infección por HSV-2 puede que nunca tengan úlceras o pueden tener signos muy leves de los cuales ni siquiera se dan cuenta o que confunden con picaduras de insectos o con otra afección de la piel.

La mayoría de las personas a quienes se les ha diagnosticado un primer episodio de herpes genital pueden esperar tener varios (típicamente cuatro o cinco) brotes (recurrencias sintomáticas) en un período de un año. Por lo general, estas recurrencias disminuyen en frecuencia a medida que pasa el tiempo.

¿Cuáles son las complicaciones del herpes genital?

El herpes genital puede causar la presencia repetida de dolorosas úlceras genitales en muchos adultos y la infección del herpes puede ser grave en personas con sistemas inmunodeprimidos. Sean severos o no los síntomas, el herpes genital causa con frecuencia sufrimiento psicológico en las personas que saben que están infectadas.

Adicionalmente, el HSV genital puede causar infecciones potencialmente mortales en los bebés. Es importante que las mujeres eviten contraer el herpes durante el embarazo porque la ocurrencia de un primer episodio durante el embarazo provoca un mayor riesgo de que el virus sea transmitido al bebé. Si una mujer tiene herpes genital activo al momento del parto, se realiza por lo general un parto por cesárea. Afortunadamente, es muy poco frecuente que un bebé sea infectado por una mujer que tiene herpes.

El herpes puede contribuir a la propagación del VIH, el virus que causa el SIDA. El herpes puede hacer que las personas se vuelvan más susceptibles a la infección por VIH y puede hacer que las personas infectadas por el VIH sean más infecciosas.

¿Cómo se diagnostica el herpes genital?

Los signos y síntomas asociados al HSV-2 pueden variar ampliamente. Los proveedores de atención médica pueden diagnosticar el herpes genital mediante una inspección visual si el brote es típico y mediante la obtención de una muestra de la úlcera o de las úlceras que se envía para un análisis de laboratorio. Puede ser difícil diagnosticar las infecciones por HSV si no hay un brote (entre brotes). Los exámenes de sangre, que detectan la infección por HSV-1 o del VSH-2, pueden ser útiles, aunque los resultados no son siempre muy claros.

¿Hay tratamiento para el herpes?

No existe un tratamiento que pueda curar el herpes, pero los medicamentos antivirales pueden acortar y prevenir los brotes durante el tiempo que la persona tome los medicamentos. Adicionalmente, la terapia supresiva diaria contra el herpes sintomático puede reducir la posibilidad de transmisión a las parejas sexuales de las personas infectadas.

¿Cómo puede prevenirse el herpes?

La manera más segura de evitar el contagio de enfermedades de transmisión sexual, incluido el herpes genital, es absteniéndose del contacto sexual o tener una relación duradera, mutuamente monógama, con una pareja a quien se le han hecho las pruebas y se sabe que no está infectada.

Las úlceras genitales pueden aparecer tanto en las áreas genitales masculinas como en las femeninas, estén o no cubiertas o protegidas con un condón de látex. El uso correcto y habitual de los condones de látex puede reducir el riesgo de contraer herpes genital, solamente si el área infectada o el área de posible contacto está protegida. Debido a que es posible que el condón no pueda cubrir todas las áreas infectadas, ni siquiera el uso correcto y habitual de los condones de látex puede garantizar la protección contra el herpes genital.

Las personas con herpes deben abstenerse de tener relaciones sexuales con parejas sexuales no infectadas cuando haya lesiones u otros síntomas del herpes. Es importante saber que aunque la persona no tenga síntomas, todavía puede infectar a sus parejas sexuales. Se les debe advertir a las parejas sexuales de las personas infectadas que también pueden resultar infectadas. Las parejas sexuales pueden hacerse pruebas para determinar si están infectadas con el HSV. Una prueba de detección del HSV-2 cuyos resultados sean positivos indica que lo más probable es que haya una infección de herpes genital.

Herpes

HPV.com” target=”_blank”>What is herpes?

Herpes is one of the most common viral infections in the United States. One of every four Americans over 18 has been exposed to genital herpes. Most people don’t know they’re infected.

What causes herpes?

Herpes is a viral infection of the skin caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV-1 usually causes infections of the mouth such as "cold sores" or "fever blisters" on the lips. Most of the time HSV-2 causes genital herpes. But, either type of herpes can cause an infection of the mouth or genitals.

Herpes is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who is infected. You can get herpes from someone who has sores on his or her lips, skin or genitals. But, most of the time, herpes is spread when someone does not have any signs or symptoms. The herpes virus can still rub off a person’s skin even when he or she has no sores that you can see.

Remember: you can get herpes from someone who has no sores or symptoms and if you have herpes you can spread it even if you have no sores or symptoms.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Only about half the people who get herpes have symptoms. Those who do have symptoms usually have an outbreak two to 10 days, or within three weeks, after they get the virus. The first symptoms are usually the worst. They are called primary herpes.

Signs and symptoms may include:

• A fever, headache, and muscle aches. Three days later, painful blisters and skin ulcers appear where you were infected. This may be your mouth, genital area, anus and/or rectum.
• Sores usually appear on both sides of the genitals during the first outbreak.
• Blisters may be "hidden" in your vagina.
• About a week after the skin rash, tender and swollen glands, or lymph nodes, may develop in your groin.

If you do not get HPV.com/GenitalHerpesRelief/index.php” target=”_blank”>treatment, your rash and pain will usually go away within three to four weeks.

Your sores will heal, but the virus will never go away. It will always stay in your body in a latent form. This means it will be quiet, hidden, and you will not have symptoms. But, herpes can become active again and cause new sores. This is called "recurrent" herpes.

• The second time you have symptoms, they will usually hurt less and not be as bad as the first time. Recurrent herpes often starts with a burning or itchy feeling one to two days before a skin rash begins.
• The sores of recurrent herpes usually appear on only one side of your genitals.

Can herpes cause any more problems?

The most severe problem (complication) happens when a woman passes the virus to her baby during delivery. If the infant is infected, it is very serious. This infection often causes the baby to die or suffer mental retardation and blindness. This problem is rare and usually happens when a woman gets herpes for the first time near delivery. If a woman has a genital herpes outbreak when she goes into labor, she may need a C-section (Cesarean delivery).

Urinating may be very painful if you have sores on your vulva (the external parts of the female genitals). You may be more comfortable if you sit in a tub of warm water and urinate into the bath water.

It is rare, but the first time you have herpes, it can cause the nerves to your bladder to become inflamed. If this happens, you will not be able to urinate. This is a temporary problem. You should see a health care provider for HPV.com/GenitalHerpesRelief/index.php” target=”_blank”>treatment.

How will I know if I have herpes?

If you have any sores, blisters, or red areas on your genitals your health care provider should examine you. He or she will swab the area to test for the virus. If you don’t have any sores, a blood test can be done to see if you have ever been exposed to herpes.

Is there a cure?

No. Herpes is a chronic, lifelong infection. It will never go away. Even though there is no cure, antiviral medicines can help to:

• Treat the symptoms,
• Lower your chances of having an outbreak,
• Lower the number of times you shed the virus without knowing it, and
• Prevent you from having the symptoms again.

Medicines include:

• Acyclovir (ay sye’ kloe veer) which is also called Zovirax;
• Famcyclovir (fam sye’ kloe veer) also called Famvir, and
• Valacyclovir (val ay sye’ kloe veer) or Valtrex.

These work best if you take them at the first sign of burning or itching, before the sores appear. Another way to take them is to take a small amount each day. Acyclovir is given to newborns who are infected during birth.

What about my partner(s)?

Because herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), your sex partners should be checked for symptoms. Many partners do not have symptoms that can be seen or felt. But, your partners still need to be checked for infection and other STDs.

Since herpes is a lifelong infection, it is important to talk openly and honestly with your partners. If you’d like advice about how to talk to your partners, call one of the numbers at the end of this fact sheet.

When can I have sex again?

You should not have oral, vaginal or anal sex when you have sores. Also do not have any kind of sex if you think you might be getting an outbreak. Remember: you can pass the virus to your partners even when you do not have symptoms.

You should tell your current and future partners that you have herpes.

How can I prevent herpes?

Not having sex (abstinence) is the only sure way to avoid infection.

To lower your chances of giving or getting herpes, use latex or polyurethane condoms every time you have oral, vaginal or anal sex. Using these condoms the right way each time you have sex can reduce your risk of genital herpes. Using condoms will not totally stop the risk of giving or getting herpes because this disease is spread through skin-to-skin contact from sores/ ulcers OR infected skin that may look normal. Condoms also help prevent the spread of other STDs including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

If you are sexually active, you and your partners should get a full physical checkup. This includes a complete sexual history and testing for common STDs. You should be checked for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, Genital Warts, trichomoniasis, and HIV.

Will anyone know the results of the exams?

Your test results and any treatment will be kept absolutely confidential. No one can find out your results, except you. If you are under 18 you can be checked and treated for STDs without getting permission from your parents.

To learn more:

If you have more questions about herpes, or you want to know how to find a clinic near you, call your local health department. You may also call the Herpes Hotline at: 1-919-361-8488. You can reach them from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Your local Planned Parenthood office also has information about local herpes support groups.

You may also call the National STD Hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO 1-800-232-4636.

Top 10 Herpes Facts

Herpes is very contagious. Be very careful that you don’t catch this virus. Watch this video to make sure what precautions to take so you stay healthy.

If you have already got Herpes there is something you can do to soothe your pains:

TIRED OF THE PAIN AND ANGUISH OF ORAL or GENITAL HERPES OUTBREAKS?

Herpeset.com/images/herpes_blister.jpg” />You can feel it coming on…that tingling sensation or hot feeling that tells you a Herpes blister is about to erupt. There is nothing you can do to stop it, and you know it’s contagious, which just adds to your stress level. The same questions keep running through your mind every time it happens: “How long will this outbreak last? When will I get another one? Is there any way to get rid of this quickly?”

FINALLY…SAFE, Homeopathic Relief IS HERE!

HPV.com/GenitalHerpesRelief/index.php” target=”_blank”>Herpeset.com/images/Herpeset_bottles.jpg” alt=”" />Scientists are still searching for a herpes cure, but now you can get natural homeopathic relief from the painful symptoms of herpes eruptions with HPV.com/GenitalHerpesRelief/index.php” target=”_blank”>Herpeset™, a very special homeopathic blend of 9 ingredients, each known in the homeopathic community to safely reduce the discomfort caused by symptoms of Herpes Simplex Virus, such as: