GENITAL HERPES
WHAT IS GENITAL HERPES?
Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes painful blisters on the genitals and the surrounding areas. As genital herpes can be passed to others through intimate sexual contact, it is often referred to as an STI. HSV can affect any mucous membrane (moist lining), such as those found in the mouth (cold sores).
Genital herpes is a chronic (long-term) condition. The virus remains in your body and can become active again. The average rate of recurrence is four to five times in the first two years after being infected. However, over time, it becomes active less frequently and each outbreak becomes less severe.
HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS
There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV),
type 1 and type 2.
Both types are highly contagious and can be passed easily from one person to another by direct contact. Genital herpes is usually transmitted by having sex (penetrative or oral) with an infected person. Even if someone with genital herpes does not have any symptoms, it is possible for them to pass the condition on to a sexual partner.
At least 8 out of 10 people who carry the virus are unaware they have been infected because there are often few or no initial symptoms. However, certain triggers can activate the virus, causing an outbreak of genital herpes
WHO IS AFFECTED?
Genital herpes is a common condition, especially between people aged 20-24 years. In 2011, 30,338 people attended a sexual health clinic in the UK with an attack of genital herpes for the first time.
TREATING GENITAL HERPES
Although there is no cure for genital herpes, the symptoms can usually be controlled using antiviral medicines.
However, it is important to prevent the spread of genital herpes by avoiding sex until symptoms have cleared up and continuing to use a condom afterwards.
More information is available at www.nhs.uk