Herpes

Herpes is a viral STI that is fairly common and transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.  There are two types: simplex 1 or HSV-1 (oral herpes) and simplex 2 or HSV-2 (genital herpes).  However, both strains of this virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2, can affect the oral area, genital area, or both.  For example, cold sores from someone’s mouth can be transmitted to someone else’s genitals.  There is a greater risk of transmission during herpes outbreaks when sores are present, but herpes can also be transmitted when no symptoms are present. 

Symptoms
Genital Herpes
-mild tingling and burning (often precedes lesions and blisters). “Asymptomatic shedding” of cells around the future blisters slough off at this time, making transmission of the virus possible.
-water blisters (on internal/external genitalia). Blisters break down 24-72 hours after appearing, leaving raw, ulcer-like sores.
-low fever
-headache
-muscle aches
-tender/swollen lymph nodes on the groin/throat
Oral Herpes
-cold sores/fever blisters around the mouth

Testing and Diagnosis
-smears of the lesions
-blood tests (can determine whether the person was ever exposed to herpes, but do not determine whether or not herpes is currently active)

Prevention
-barrier methods
-limit number of sexual partners
-monogamous relationship with STI-free partner
-if herpes-positive, avoid sexual contact during outbreaks

Treatment
There is no cure for herpes, but some medications can relieve the symptoms:
-pain relievers (Aspirin)
-Acyclovir (drug used to treat herpes): ointment, intravenous, or oral forms
-Valtrex (drug used to treat herpes): outbreak therapy or suppressive therapy (take pills to treat outbreaks or take pills to suppress potential outbreaks)

Complications
Usually, genital herpes does not have complications. However, complications may include:
-throat infections
-meningitis
-complications if transmitted to baby during childbirth