| Where does it come from? |
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There are several types of Herpes virus including: |
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Herpes Zoster also know as shingles |
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Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV1) |
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Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV2) |
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) |
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Epstein-Barr Virus Infection causes glandular fever |
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Human Herpes Virus 6 |
| There are two types of Herpes Simplex Virus: |
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HSV 1 – usually causes ‘cold sore’ around the mouth and nose but can affect the genitalia (‘down below’) |
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HSV 2 – usually causes sore in the genital and anal areas but can affect the mouth |
| How do I get Herpes? |
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it is transmitted by sexual or close physical contact , when the sores are open (wet) |
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Genital Herpes can pass to the mouth if oral sex is practiced and oral herpes can pass to the genital area (‘down below) |
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Oral Herpes can be passed on by kissing when sores are open (wet) – this also applies to children kissing each other |
| How long does it take to show? |
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usually 3-6 days for the first attack |
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recurrent attacks 1-2 days after something set it off again |
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the recurrent cause may not always be recognised |
| What might I notice? |
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Herpes can be a recurrent infection, with the first attack being the most painful |
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many little ‘blisters’ and ‘ulcers’ appear anywhere ‘down below’ |
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they start off small, clear or yellowy – then may join up together forming larger sore areas, up to about 2 cm across |
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recurrent attacks usually occur at the same site as the first attack |
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you may feel generally unwell, with the first attack in particular |
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women may retain urine from fear of the pain felt when passing it |
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there may be tingling or pain in the lower back, buttocks or back of the leg before an attack |
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there may be an offensive vaginal discharge and soreness |
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there may be soreness or irritation ‘down below’ and / or in the ‘back passage’ |
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this may lead to bowel retention and constipation |
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the Herpes virus stays in the body for life |
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recurrent attacks usually occur less frequently, as time goes by |
| What tests should I have? |
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visual diagnosis by an experienced doctor |
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laboratory tests – bloods tests and swabs taken of the discharge |
| What treatment is there, if I have Herpes? |
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salt baths |
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the usual treatment, for the first or severed attacks is a medication called Acyclovir (or Zovirax) in tablet form |
| What should I do after I finish the treatment? |
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it may take 2-3 weeks for the initial sores to heal up |
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it is not necessary to return to the clinic for recurrent attacks but you are welcome to do so, if you wish |
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What about my partner? |
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it is sensible to be open and tell your partner about it |
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they will have questions and fears, which you or a Health Advisor can help them overcome |
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they can always talk to your Health Advisor who will explain the infection to them, if you can’t |
| What about sex? |
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this must be avoided until all the sores have healed up |
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this is because the virus can easily be spread, whilst the sores are ‘wet’ |
| What about oral sex, anal sex and condoms? |
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‘cold sores’ are oral herpes and can pass to the genital area (‘down below’) when ‘wet’ and genital herpes can pass to the mouth when ‘wet’, so avoid contact at those times |
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when they have dried up, you are relatively safe to have sex again |
| What complications in pregnancy can come from having Herpes? |
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if you have the first attack of genital herpes during early pregnancy, there is a risk to the baby |
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many doctors advise a ‘caesarean’ delivery of the baby if the first attack occurs in the last few weeks of the pregnancy or if there is a recurrent attack on the delivery, or immediately before it |
| General possible complications of Herpes |
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There may be one or more of the following: |
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severe burning or stabbing pain along a nerve line (neuralgia) |
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inflammation of the root of a nerve (radiculitis) |
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constipation – from fear of the pain involved in opening the back passage (anus) |
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anxiety |
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depression |
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‘impotence’ or inability to get and keep an erection – from the fear of pain or of passing on the infection |
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strain on relationships |
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fear of cervical cancer (as genital herpes was previously believed to be a risk factor for cervical cancer) |
| How can I avoid getting Herpes? |
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never assume that a ‘clean looking’ person is clear of infection |
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don’t have sex with someone when they have open (‘wet’) sores |
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be careful, or don’t kiss people on their mouth or have oral sex with them when they have open (‘wet’) sores |
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talk to a Health Advisor if you want further advice |
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