artwork c/o mr pinks

Herpes

by Editor

Herpes

Herpes is a viral infection caused by a virus called Herpes simplex virus. There are 2 herpes simplex viruses. One which prefers to live on your mouth (type 1) (these are called cold sores) and one which prefers to live in the genital area (type 2). You can get either infection in either area, but the infection tends to be less aggressive and recur less frequently if you have type 1 in the genital area or type 2 on the mouth.

Symptoms

Herpes can cause very painful sores around the vagina, penis or anus. At first these sores will blister, then burst and finally scab over. Once you have the virus it will stay in your system throughout your life. Although you will probably have regular flare ups initially, it will eventually burn out.

Other symptoms include:
Flu like symptoms, including a headache and swollen glands
Pain when passing urine – if you can not pass urine you must see your local clinic. You may need to have a tube put into the bladder until the infection settles.
Blisters may occur on any area of the skin, even on your the hands (called herpetic whitlow)

Diagnosis

Herpes is diagnosed by analysing a swab of the blister fluid. This should be done early in the infection, so try to see a doctor soon after your symptoms start.
In some special circumstances a blood test may be done to see if you have been exposed to this virus in the past.

Treatment

As yet there is no cure, but there are anti-viral drugs eg Aciclovir that can be used to control and even prevent a flare up.
If you are pregnant be sure to speak to your doctor or midwife as a potentially fatal herpes infection can be passed onto your baby.

Prevention

Don’t feel pressured into saying yes to having sex. It’s ok to say no. Remember the more people you have sex with the more likely you are to be infected. If you are sexually active, have regular screening and make sure your partner is screened too. Use condoms, although they are not 100%, they will reduce your chances of getting infections if they are used correctly EVERY time you have sex.