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What is it?
Herpes simplex (HSV) is a virus you get from unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex and other close genital contact. There are two types, HSV 1 and HSV 2; both can infect the genital and anal area and also the mouth and nose (cold sores).
It is highly contagious and can affect anyone who is sexually active. It is a virus, this means that even after treatment, the virus remains in your body and can cause outbreaks later. It is treated with antiviral medicines but there is no cure.
It is passed from one person to another through:
It cannot be passed on by kissing, hugging, sharing baths or towels, swimming pools, toilet seats or from sharing cups, plates or cutlery.
How will I know if I’m infected?
People with the herpes simplex virus may be unaware that they are carrying the virus as they have no visible signs or symptoms. If they do, symptoms include:
The first outbreak of sores can last for up to two to four weeks; they general heal within 5 to 10 days. The sores will firstly scab then heal without scarring.
Subsequent outbreaks may be less severe and will heal more quickly; your body will have produced antibodies to fight the infection. The following things can act as a trigger:
The only way to be absolutely sure is to be tested
How can I get rid of it?
There is no cure but antiviral drugs help the symptoms.
A check-up for herpes can only be done when there are signs or symptoms; if you develop signs and symptoms it is best to have a check-up as soon as possible.
A doctor or nurse should be able to diagnose genital herpes by looking at them however they will need to take a swab of fluid from the blisters to confirm the infection. They will brush a swab (similar to a cotton bud) over the blisters. This may sting but should not be painful.
The swab will be sent to a laboratory for testing and result should be returned within one to two weeks.
There is no routine test for genital herpes in asymptomatic patients – those without symptoms…. but remember, if you’ve had unprotected sex, genital herpes is only one of the STIs that you could have contracted. Having no symptoms is not an excuse to not test for STIs. If you’ve had unprotected sex, don’t leave it to chance…., have a test as soon as you can.
Testing for genital herpes is free. Ask us for advice or contact your local sexual health services. See NHS Choices website for local services: www.nhs.uk
Cervical smear tests and routine blood tests will not detect herpes.
Genital herpes will clear by itself. By seeking treatment as soon as symptoms start, you can significantly reduce the period of time the outbreak lasts. This can also aid the healing process and reduce the risk of you passing it on to others.
Antivirals
Antivirals prevent the virus from multiplying however it does not clear the virus from the body completely. Treatment usually starts within five days of the start of the first outbreak – while sores are still forming. Antiviral tablets are prescribed by a doctor and are taken daily for five days. There are several types including aciclovir, famciclovir and valaciclovir.
Antibiotics do not work as genital herpes is a virus not a bacteria. Over the counter treatments for oral cold sores will not work either.
For many, another course of antivirals may help with further outbreaks. People who have multiple outbreaks (>6 six per year), are given longer courses of medication. This is known as suppressive treatment and involves taking antiviral medication for longer periods of time. You will be advised if this is the most appropriate treatment for you.
Antivirals should be safe to use with hormonal contraception (e.g. the pill, patch, injection or implant) however it is important to double check with the person prescribing them to make sure.
Things you can do
Antivirals stop the virus multiplying, they do not ease discomfort. There are a few things you can do to this and speed up the healing process:
It is strongly advised that you do not have any sexual contact:
If you discover that you have genital herpes and your partner is experiencing symptoms, it is recommended that they seek treatment too.
Using condoms during sexual intercourse can prevent STIs. If you have a new partner, it is a good idea for you both to be tested for sexually transmitted infections before having sex.
