Posts Tagged ‘Hsv 1’

Genital Herpes is More Prevalent Than You Think

Comments: 0June 17th, 2011 by admin



There are two major problems we are facing with genital herpes today. One is the lack of testing leaving many people infected without knowing it. The other is the ignorance by many people of just how widespread it is making it all the more likely this incredibly annoying disease is not going to go away any time soon. Those who are sexually active and especially with multiple partners are all at risk.

Unfortunately, genital herpes is not curable, only symptomatically treatable. Many people don’t even know they have it. They may have only had one outbreak years ago and mistaken it for something else.

A friend of mine had a scare when a woman he had been seeing for several years (not exclusively) told me after he had had sex with her recently that she thought she was having a genital outbreak and he may have been exposed. She told him she had it years ago one time and took something like Valtrex and got rid of it and had never had a recurrence until recently. She was under the false impression that that meant she was no longer putting others at risk of passing it along.

Some quick facts on HSV (Herpes):

About 1 in 4 to 1 in 5 of those in the US over age 12 test positive for HSV 2 with a blood test that accurately distinguishes between HSV 1 and 2. The scary part is out of those who are positive, only 1 in 10 knew it before they were tested.

70% of new herpes infections are transmitted from someone showing no symptoms at the time they infected their partner.

For women, a negative pap smear for herpes doesn’t mean she isn’t infected.

The current test known as herpes select is a blood test that accurately distinguishes between types 1 and 2 and is available through the major labs Quest and Labcorp.

A positive test doesn’t indicate when you got it only that you do have it.

It’s also important to know it can take several months after exposure for you to test positive. So those who have multiple partners or move from partner to partner frequently are putting themselves and their partners at a much higher risk.

A study on risk produced the following facts:

The risk is about 10% per year that an infected male will transmit HSV 2 to an uninfected female. That is, if 100 infected men were having one-on-one sex with 100 uninfected women, about 10 women would get infected per year. It’s a little less likely for a woman to pass it to a man – about 4 men out of 100 will get it.

This study was based on no condom use, no sex during herpes outbreaks and no use of daily herpes medications.

Talking about STDs can take all the spontaneity and romance out of sex. Talk about a mood killer. But rather you kill the mood than get something that’ll kill you. Or better yet, get all this unpleasant talk out of the way long before getting physical with somebody.

If you’ve been having your fun and have managed to avoid catching it, don’t forget, the next new partner you hook up with may be carrying it and pass it to you without knowing it until after the fact.

When you are out there whether it’s on dating sites or where ever you are meeting a sexual partner, many people claim they are STD free and tested regularly. While that may be true, what most people don’t realize is that it usually only means they get tested for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and maybe warts (which are easy to spot). Unless you specifically request a herpes test, you most likely didn’t get tested for it. This is something that should really be addressed in the public health arena.

A majority of the population has HSV 1 known as the cold sore virus. This can passed orally to give someone genital herpes type HSV 1. HSV 2 can’t be passed genitally to oral, only genital to genital. A person can have one and not the other, or they can have both. However, HSV 1 doesn’t turn into HSV 2 or visa versa. Having one type doesn’t make you immune to getting the other.

So, to summarize, HSV 1 can be transferred orally to genital or genital to genital. HSV 2 is only transferred genital to genital.

***UPDATE***I recently discussed this with a dermatologist who informed me that we’re still not for sure on whether HSV 2 can be transmitted from genital to oral. So it looks like things aren’t figured out yet. Your best bet is to keep your immune system strong though healthy lifestyle choices and being careful out there. Sorry spontaneity is exciting, but it can also result in some unfortunate consequences.

Herpes testing should be made mandatory as part of your annual blood work testing if you are sexually active – not just HIV. although hsv isn’t fatal, it still carries a social stigma with it.

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Genital Herpes Incubation Period

Comments: 0January 15th, 2011 by admin



Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is in the same family of viruses that causes chickenpox, shingles and mononucleosis. There are two types of HSV. HSV 1 infects approximately 80% of the U.S. population and typically manifests on the lips in the form of cold sores. HSV 2 refers to genital herpes and is typically found in the genital area. It is possible to spread HSV 1 to the genital area through oral sex. Likewise, HSV 2 can be transmitted to a person’s mouth or lips through oral sex.

Immediately after the virus is contracted, there is a genital herpes incubation period, which refers to the time between contracting the virus and the first sign of a symptom. This is typically two to twenty days. For some people, symptoms are never visible, so it is hard to identify when the genital herpes incubation period is over. For most people, the first outbreak is the most severe and the most painful. Symptoms typically include sores or lesions, to appear in and around the vaginal area and within the cervix in women, and on the penis and scrotum in men. It is possible to develop lesions in the urinary tract, around the anal opening, and on the buttocks or thighs of both men and women.

Once HSV has infected an individual and during the genital herpes incubation period, the virus travels through the nervous system and settles at the base of the spine. When there are no outbreaks or other symptoms of herpes, the virus is considered dormant. It is common for the virus to later “wake up,” travel the nerve paths to the surface of the skin, and cause another outbreak. Periods of outbreak are typically a highly contagious time and sex should absolutely be avoided.

Another period of increased contagiousness is during shedding. Shedding can occur anytime after the genital herpes incubation period and can be asymptomatic (no symptoms are present and an individual will likely not know they are shedding). During these shedding periods, small amounts of the virus are present on the skin, often at the place of first infection. This reactivation without symptoms may also occur in rectal tissue or in fluids from the penis and vagina. It is believed that people with HSV-2 genital herpes tend to have more shedding than those with HSV-1. Also, people with new infections are more likely to shed the virus than those with an infection more than a year old.

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Genital Herpes Recurrence – Tips to Shorten and Prevent Outbreaks

Comments: 0February 8th, 2010 by admin



Genital Herpes – What Is It?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes viruses type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2). Many people who are infected may not even be aware, as they often have no symptoms or only minimal signs of infection. The condition is contracted through sexual contact. It is possible to contract the virus from someone who does not have a visible sore or who does not even know that they are infected.

What are The Signs or Symptoms?

Signs of the active virus usually include the appearance blisters on or around the genital or anal areas. When these blisters they leave painful sores that may take several weeks to heal. An outbreak can also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms and a fever. Users also typically experience psychological distress. Subsequent outbreaks can appear weeks or months after the first. The severity of outbreaks tends to decrease over time. If you suspect you may be infected, you should visit your doctor without delay.

Is There Any Cure?

The infection stays within the body indefinitely and there is no known cure. The condition can be treated with anti-viral drugs to ease pain and discomfort and reduce both the length and frequency of attacks.

Preventative Measures

Infection can still occur even if a person is not showing any symptoms. The use of latex condoms during sexual activity is recommended. Infected persons should abstain from sexual contact during an outbreak to avoid spreading the disease.

Medication and Treatment

Visit your physician to obtain a proper diagnosis. Your physician can arrange a blood test if required and prescribe anti-viral medication.

Avoiding Recurrence

No one is sure why some people have recurrences of herpes. One trigger seems to be stress-both emotional and physical. Outbreaks may recur when a person is under pressure or their immune system is lowered. To help prevent outbreaks, keep your body strong-get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, and learn to cope with stress.

Tips For Reducing Discomfort

1. Keep the lesions clean and dry.
2. Use a hair dryer on the low setting to dry sores that are very sensitive or hard to reach.
3. Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear.
4. Take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.

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Popping Herpes Blisters

Comments: 0February 2nd, 2010 by admin



Popping herpes blisters occur when herpes blisters erupt. Herpes blisters are caused by the HSV or herpes simplex virus. This virus is of two categories – HSV-1 and HSV-2. Type 1 causes mouth sores and on the lip area. Genital herpes is caused by the type 2 virus. It is very important that you treat herpes as soon as outbreaks occur to avoid scarring, pain, and even certain complications.

Once you get the virus, it will not leave your body but it will remain dormant until it is triggered once more. You must be aware that herpes is very contagious and you can transmit the infection through mucous, saliva, and skin. Even a herpes blister can be transmitted easily and it can infect many individuals.

Herpes blisters are primarily due to the type 1 virus. Cold sores are also caused by such virus. The infection can happen at any age range and very young kids are more prone to it. Previous herpes sufferers can already tell if an outbreak will occur because they are already familiar with the signs like numbness, tingling sensations, and itching. First time infected individuals are not familiar with such signs or symptoms and so it would a great help if they know some useful information regarding this contagious condition.

When the herpes blisters erupt, you can feel severe pain. But don’t worry because healing will begin soon. As days pass, you will notice the blisters becoming less noticeable and smaller. When the blisters turn to gray ulcers, scabbing will develop and once these scabs dry off, healing is completed.

During the popping of herpes blisters, you must keep your body hydrated at all times. Blisters found on the mouth and lip areas can be easily treated using natural remedies like herbs. To shorten the outbreaks, gargle a baking soda wash and increase your vitamin C intake. To prevent spreading of the blisters, you have to wash your hands thoroughly especially if you’re able to touch the affected area.

Herpes blisters can also develop in the genital area. The virus responsible for such outbreaks is the HSV-2. Sexually active individuals are more prone to this kind of infection. Before the outbreak appears, the infected person will usually feel itching, tenderness, and pain. In men, the herpes blisters will typically appear on their penis while in women, the herpes blisters appear on the cervix and vaginal area. Severe outbreaks can even cause sores on the buttocks and thighs.

The healing process varies from one person to another. If you want to shorten the length of the outbreaks, you can ask your doctor about anti viral medicines and if you want, you can also incorporate chemical free and natural products like healing herbs. You can’t cure herpes blisters but you can control the outbreaks and kill the pain.

There are also topical applications available in the market which usually contain herbal extracts and these are quite effective in treating popping herpes blisters.

Educate yourself about popping herpes blisters especially if you’re not infected with the virus. That way, you can prevent or avoid herpes. By consulting a doctor, you can effectively treat the infection and minimize the outbreak impacts. Seek medical advice if you feel any of the signs of herpes blisters. Don’t wait until the outbreaks show up; treat them as soon as you feel the herpes signs.

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Herpes and HIV Testing

Comments: 0November 29th, 2009 by admin



Did you know that many STD’s aren’t routinely tested for at your doctor or office visit? Most test for
STD’s are done at your request or if you’re pregnant. A pregnant woman with an STD such as Herpes or HIV is at risk of transferring the virus to her unborn baby resulting in severe illness or death. Because of the rising epidemic of HIV infected individuals and herpes cases today, it is very important to get tested. This is especially so because Herpes and HIV are incurable; with HIV being potentially fatal. People fear getting tested but once you know your status it can empower you to take better care of yourself and be more responsible.

Let’s start with testing done for Herpes. If you have sores on your genitals, a sample can be taken and cultured. The virus multiplies and can be seen under a microscope. Another test involves a solution which contains antibodies that is added to the sample. The virus multiplies and glows when viewed under a special microscope. The only drawback with this type of testing is that the virus is detected only in it’s active form. These test can also tell you what type of herpes you have and how you were infected. HSV 1 can be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex and HSV 2 can be transmitted through intercourse or anal sex.

As stated above, the culture detects the herpes virus in it’s active form. False negative results are
possible if the sores have begun healing or if this isn’t your first outbreak. Blood test for herpes are done
when there are no symptoms and are more accurate. However, if you are newly infected it may not show up for several weeks since it takes time for antibodies to the virus to show up in the blood. That is why if you suspect you may be infected you should have a repeat test several weeks after the first one.

The HIV test most commonly used in the US is the EIA or enzyme immunoassay formerly known as (Elisa). This test on blood samples looks for antibodies(http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antibodies) to the HIV virus. A positive EIA must be confirmed with a Western Blot(http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_blot)on the same sample. HIV test using oral fluids are obtained from the mouth with a special device. Saliva isn’t used for testing but oral fluids found in the mouth. The test is similar to the EIA test done on blood. If the test is positive then a Western Blot is done on the same oral sample to confirm the results.

There are rapid HIV screening test but if reactive must also be confirmed by the Western Blot. Home testing kits are popular since being licensed in 1997, but only one has been approved by the FDA. The Home Access HIV 1 Test System is a home collection kit. The kit has instructions on how to obtain a sample, mailing it and how to obtain your results. There are supportive services available throughout this process.

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Treating Female Genital Herpes

Comments: 0November 1st, 2009 by admin



Genital herpes is a type of sexually-transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. It can infect both males and females. There are two general types of herpes simplex virus, the HSV-1 and the HSV-2. The most obvious symptom of female genital herpes is the formation of blisters around the vagina and the rectum. When these blisters break, they leave sores that take two to four weeks to heal.

The main difference between these two types of herpes is the location where the blisters occur. HSV-1 manifests itself around the mouth area while HSV-2 shows up in the genital area.

Symptoms of female genital herpes start with the reddening and inflammation of the vaginal skin. Blisters will soon form in the area, which will become painful and itchy. Blisters are filled with fluids and when they break open, it can cause more pain. The blisters will eventually heal and turn into scabs.

Other symptoms of female genital herpes are fever, nausea, muscle ache, swollen lymph glands and painful vaginal discharge.

The most unfortunate thing about getting infected with the virus is that there is no cure for it. When it infects the body, it will stay in the body’s system indefinitely. The antiviral medications are for reducing the pain and contagiousness. It will also lessen the occurrence of future outbreaks.

When treating female genital herpes, the doctor will conduct blood tests first to determine what type of virus you have. After getting the results, he will prescribe the correct medication for it. The most common medications used for herpes are acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir. These medications not only remove the pain caused by the blisters, it can also reduce the patient’s chances of passing the virus to her partner.

Genital herpes can have several complications. Pregnant women infected with herpes can pass on the virus to her baby. People with HIV can get more ill if they get herpes. The virus can spread to their internal organs such as the lungs and brains.

Women infected with female genital herpes can conduct some self-treatment by staying away from the sun. Too much exposure to sunlight can irritate the skin and make the blisters worse. They should also refrain from using scented bath and body products that can also irritate the skin. Loose clothing should be worn as often as possible to make the skin breathe and to avoid the trapping of bacteria. To lessen the pain of the blisters, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin can be taken, as long they are approved by the doctor.

Infected persons should avoid having sex during an outbreak. Transmission is very high when blisters and sores are present. Condoms cannot guarantee much protection in this case since a condom cannot cover all the infected areas.

Prevention is always better than the cure. Sexually-active persons should always practice safe sex. Condoms will provide adequate protection from most STDs. If possible, a monogamous relationship will lessen the chances of contacting the disease. Of course, nothing is safer than abstinence.

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Q and A – How Can You Tell If Someone Has Herpes?

Comments: 0August 31st, 2009 by admin



The herpes simplex virus can go unnoticed and undetected for years to a person who has the virus. For this reason there is no real way to do a spot check to confirm whether or not a person has it. The most obvious indication that a person is having an outbreak is the actual outbreak itself. However the skin symptoms associated with herpes can look like anything from a puffy red blister to a small zit. While type 1 will usually surface on or near the mouth, type 2 can literally appear anywhere below the waist. It is not just isolated to the genital area. People who have type 2 often report having outbreaks on their inner thighs, lower back or pelvis area.

The only true way to know if someone has the virus is by suggesting a mutual blood test that would pick up the herpes virus. More than half of the people who have HSV don’t know it – so even the most honest and well intentioned person can unknowingly pass the virus to someone else. Genital herpes has been demonized by the general population, but the truth is herpes type 1 (oral herpes) is just as contagious as genital herpes. Not only that but oral herpes can be passed during oral sex and caused genital herpes.

HSV 1 and 2 can be transmitted even when there are no outward signs. This can happen during the period known as viral shedding. The herpes virus lays dormant inside nerve cells and when it activates it travels through the nerve cells to the surface of the skin. Once it reaches the skin it does what is referred to as “shedding”, sometimes skin lesions result and sometimes they do not. When a person with herpes is in the viral shedding stage they are contagious. Viral shedding occurs at random and isn’t always marked by symptoms.

The best way to know that someone has the herpes virus is through blood testing and the best way to avoid getting the herpes virus is through safe and responsible sex. If you suspect that you may have it, get tested as soon as possible.

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The Truth About Genital Herpes

Comments: 0April 3rd, 2009 by admin



Genital Herpes is a misunderstood illness, and I hope to dispel some myths with the publication of this article. Perhaps the first thing to note is that the majority of people are infected with one strain of herpes – HSV 1, also known as the common cold sore! Of course it has less of a stigma attached, so let’s look at the facts about genital herpes:

What symptoms does genital herpes carry?

The trouble with herpes is that in many people, the symptoms are so mild that they may pass unnoticed. This is good on one level as it won’t affect your life, but on the other hand, you’re at risk of passing the HSV 2 virus onto another unawares, who may suffer far more discomfort than you.

If symptoms do appear, They tend to appear periodically in “episodes” (or “outbreaks”). As for when, again it varies from person to person. It may be days after contracting the virus, it could be months to years. When it first strikes, the sufferer typically feels flu-like symptoms – fever, headaches and pains in the back and leg. The good news is that these symptoms usually are only present in the first outbreak of HSV 2.

From then on, most genital herpes episodes produce small blisters which then break to form painful shallow sores. After 1-2 weeks, these scab over and then heal. Often the first outbreak is significantly more uncomfortable than future episodes.

If you’re thinking this sounds like a cold sore, but for the genitals, you’re right. Although HSV 1 (cold sores) is not the same as HSV 2, the symptoms are similar enough for you to think of genital herpes as a cold sore that forms around the genitals, anus, buttocks and thighs. And like cold sores, the virus stays in the body once the genital herpes symptoms have vanished, and can cause recurrent outbreaks at any time.

Are recurrent outbreaks linked to any behaviour?

Yes and no. Triggers for outbreaks of genital herpes can be linked to sex, menstruation, general illness or stress, but often you’ll see no explanation and an episode appears without a trigger.

It’s important to note that recurrent attacks are caused by the dormant virus in the body and not by re-infection. In most causes the repeat episodes become less frequent over time, and some sufferers can look forward to a time when the attacks stop altogether.

How is HSV 2 spread?

The HSV 2 virus is spread through skin to skin contact, which means sexual contact is largely the cause. Remember that as many people show few to no symptoms, it’s possible to pass on the virus to someone even if the sufferer shows no symptoms.

How do I prevent transmission?

There’s no sure-fire way to prevent transmission, because it can be passed with no obvious sores, but there are ways of minimising the risk. The first is to avoid having any kind of sexual contact with someone immediately before or during an outbreak of genital herpes. Condoms will stop transmission across the area covered, but of course they only cover the penis, so if sores are elsewhere transmission can still occur.

There are a number of dating sites set up to match singles with genital herpes – of course, people cannot be reinfected, so sufferers having sexual contact with each other are not at risk from the disease!

I think I have it – what’s does the test for herpes involve?

The herpes test involves taking a sample from the area of the body infected during an outbreak. The HSV 2 virus will usually grow in a swab taken from a open blister. It can then be determined which type – HSV 1 or 2 – you have. HSV 1 is rarer in a genital infection.

The other herpes test is taken via a blood sample. The advantage of this is that you don’t need to be having an outbreak to take the test, but it has downsides too. It can’t tell you which part of the body is infected (lips or genitals), it can’t tell you whether you are likely to display symptoms or not and if can’t reveal if general symptoms you’ve had are down to the HSV virus. Consult your doctor to discuss which herpes test is for you.

Is there a risk of transmission through childbirth?

Pregnant women with genital herpes may pass the virus onto their baby during delivery causing serious illness. This thankfully isn’t common, but the medical staff should be told if you carry the virus so that risk of complications can be minimised.

Is there a cure for genital herpes?

Sadly there is no cure for HSV 2, and once the virus is in the body it is there for life. There are ways of managing the symptoms though, thankfully. Iodine paint will dry out the blisters and help prevent secondary infection, while salt baths are good at relieving discomfort.

Anti-viral medication can also be prescribed, and this will help reduce the severity of an outbreak If taken early enough (within 3 days of the symptoms appearing is best). For the unlucky few who suffer from regular outbreaks, some antiviral drugs including aciclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir can be taken continuously. This will stop most outbreaks from occurring allowing minimal disruption.

Genital herpes has a very bad reputation, but as STDs go, it’s actually comparatively harmless and certainly is no bar to living a full, happy and sexually fulfilled life. If in doubt, get a herpes test – you have very little to worry about even if you are infected!

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