Genital Herpes

Herpes or Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a viral infection with 2 forms: HSV-1 and HSV-2. These infections can result in oral cold sores, genital cold sores, or both. The World Health Organisation estimates that 3.7 billion people under 50 have HSV-1 globally, while 491 million people aged 15-49 have HSV-2. Herpes is one of the most common infections worldwide, with around 65% of people in age range 15-49 infected with HSV-1 and 11% of people in age range 15-49 infected with HSV-2. 

HSV or herpes simplex virrus, can come in 2 forms: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The World Health Organisation estimates that 3.7 billion people under 50 have HSV-1 globally, while 491 million people aged 15-49 have HSV-2.   

There are two main strands of the herpes simplex virus (HSV), type 1 and type 2. The first type is responsible for most oral herpes, which is more popularly known as cold sores. This virus is present in around 80% of people but often it’s dormant and only triggers cold sores when the immune system is weak. HSV type 2 is less common and only found in about 15% of the US population — although the share is gradually rising as people tend to become sexually active at younger ages.  

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a very common virus that comes in two subcategories: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The first type, HSV-1, causes oral herpes — more commonly known as cold sores — and is carried by 70% to 80% of the US population. People often don’t even know, unless their immune system is weak enough for the virus to trigger a cold sores outbreak. The second herpes variety, HSV-2, is the primary culprit behind genital herpes. It occurs in about 15% of the sexually active population in the US but is mostly asymptomatic, which means there aren’t any visible lesions and blisters. There’s no gender difference; men and women are infected in equal proportions.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Herpes which occurs around the mouth and on the lips is usually, but not always, caused by HSV-1.  Around 70-80% of the population carry HSV-1 inside their bodies, but only about one third of carriers will ever experience an oral herpes outbreak.

A herpes outbreak can be an unpleasant experience to deal with. Sadly, there is no cure for the herpes simplex (HSV) or herpes zoster virus. But there are a few medical treatment options from which you can choose.  

Famciclovir is an antiviral prescription medication used in the treatment of infections caused by major types of herpes virus. A cure for herpes does not exist but antiviral medications can help patients to manage their symptoms.  

Infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) including genital herpes (HSV-2) and cold sores (HSV-1) and those caused by herpes zoster (shingles) are incredibly common.  

Famciclovir (Famvir) is a prescription drug used to treat herpes infections caused by the herpes zoster virus (shingles) and herpes simplex virus (cold sores and genital herpes). It is prescribed both to treat outbreaks and for long-term suppressive therapy of herpes.  

Yes, taking antiviral medicines such as valacyclovir (Valtrex) during pregnancy is safe and does not appear to cause birth defects in the majority of patients.  

Valtrex (also commonly known as valacyclovir) is an antiviral medication used to treat cold sores, genital herpes, shingles, and chickenpox. Valtrex is made by GlaxoSmithKline and is the brand name for valacyclovir. Generic Valtrex is widely available.  

Valacyclovir (Valtrex, Zelitrex) is an antiviral drug used to treat viral infections caused by herpes simplex virus (cold sores, genital herpes), herpes zoster (shingles) and varicella zoster (chickenpox).  

Valacyclovir (also known by the brand name Valtrex) has been available since 1995 and is commonly used to treat herpes simplex (oral and genital), herpes zoster (shingles) and chickenpox in children.  

There is currently no cure available for genital herpes. Most people with genital herpes lead normal lives and manage to control symptoms by preventing herpes outbreaks and taking medications when necessary.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2). More recent studies have shown that type 1 (HSV 1) could also be causing genital herpes.  

The herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2) is spread via genital contact and oral sex. Once infected, patients remain carriers for life. A large number of people who have HSV will never experience any symptoms, while others may suffer frequent outbreaks and painful genital sores.

You cannot get genital herpes by kissing someone who has it on the mouth. You can however, catch genital herpes, by kissing the genitals of someone who is affected.  You can also catch oral herpes by kissing someone who has a cold sore.  

Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects around 776,000 people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

You’re confused: you got chicken pox when you were eight, so does that now mean you’re going to get herpes? You got a cold sore once, and people made fun of you for it. Does that mean you’re doomed to carry a contagious STD for life? Why are there two diseases both called herpes?  If you do have a cold sore, can you give someone herpes if you give them oral sex? All of these questions and more will be answered below.

The primary way of contracting genital herpes is through unprotected sex with a person who has it, and presumably doesn’t have visible lesions. A condom can help to protect you against genital herpes and other STIs, but it’s important to realise that a condom may not cover all the sores, and therefore, you can still contract herpes from contact with uncovered areas.