This website aims to give you more information about HSV1 and HSV2, the condition's diagnosis, management and treatment.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV)
HSV, known as Cold Sore, Night Fever, or Fever Blister, is a virus that manifests itself in two common viral infections, each marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genitals. The disease is contagious, particularly during an outbreak, and is incurable with present technology. Research has currently shown that a person can still be contagious (actively shedding virus) up to 7-10 days after the blister has healed. During this time, the asymptomatic person should be extremely careful (washing hands frequently; not touching the blister area, etc.) since transmission is still possible. An infection on the lips is commonly known as a "cold sore" or "fever blister," though this should not be confused with a mouth ulcer, or canker sore, which appears inside the mouth and is not caused by the herpes simplex virus. Women are more commonly affected by HSV2 than men; 1 in every 4 women have HSV2 whereas 1 in every 5 men suffer from it.50 - 80% of the population of the USA have Herpes Simplex 1.
20% of those suffering from HSV1 also have the genital type as well. There are at least half a million new case of herpes diagnosed each year. The teenage population have the most dramatic increase in number of sufferers. The way HSV manifests itself varies from person to person. The following are general descriptions of the courses outbreaks may take in the mouth and genital regions.Oral/Facial infection (usually HSV1)
Just before the outbreak occurs the skin will feel irritated or sore, and a cluster of fluid filled blisters will appear. This usually happens on the mouth or lipsThe lesions then begin to heal, usually without any scarring.
Genital Infection (usually HSV2)
In men, the lesions may occur on the shaft of the penis, in the genital region, on the inner thigh, buttocks, or anus. In women, lesions may occur on or near the pubis, labia, clitoris, vulva, buttocks, or anus. This may require a very careful examination e.g. during delivery, examination by use of a flashlight may be necessary. The appearance of herpes lesions and the experience of outbreaks in these areas varies tremendously among individuals. Herpes lesions on/near the genitals may look like cold sores. An outbreak may look like a paper cut, or chafing, or appear to be a yeast infection. Symptoms of a genital outbreak may include aches and pains in the area, discharge from the penis or vagina, and discomfort when urinating. Initial outbreaks are usually more severe than subsequent ones, and generally also involve flu-like symptoms and swollen glands for a week or so. Subsequent outbreaks tend to be periodic or episodic, typically occur four to five times a year, and can be triggered by stress, illness, fatigue, menstruation, and other changes. The virus lives in the nerve ganglia during non-eruptive periods, where it cannot be conventionally eliminated by the body's immune system.
Neonatal Herpes Simplex
This is a rare, but serious consequence of the transmission of HSV from mother to newborn baby. Data shows that this happens approximately 3.6 times per 100,000 live births in Australia, with similar rates in the UK, but much lower than the US.
In a newborn baby, herpes can cause neurological damage, mental retardation, blindness, and sometimes death. The mortality rate from neonatal HSV disease is high (up to 25%) despite current treatments with antiviral therapies.
If you have herpes and you are pregnant, your doctor might advise a Caesarean section to cut down the risk of infecting your baby.
