HERPES

WHAT IS HERPES?
 Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the
herpes simplex virus (HSV).

 It is more common in women (1 out of 4) than in men (1 out

of 5) possibly because male to female transmission is more
efficient than female to male transmission.

 HSV-2 infection is also more common in areas of high socio-

economic disadvantage, facing fundamental issues of health
such as:
 access to quality health care
 poverty
 living in communities with a high prevalence of STDs
 illicit drug use
TYPES OF HERPES
 HSV-type 1
 causes fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes)

 HSV-type 2

 typically affects the genital area (genital herpes) 

MODE OF TRANSMISSION
 Herpes is spread by direct contact including: 
 Sexual contact
 Anal sex
 Oral sex

 Vaginal sex

as well as
 Kissing
 Skin-to-skin contact which transmits HSV-1 and

HSV-2
GENITAL HERPES
 Can be transmitted with or without the presence of sores
or other symptoms
 Is often transmitted by people who do not realize
infection can be passed on even when there are no
symptoms
 Is often transmitted by people unaware they are infected
 Symptoms of  the primary episode can be quite
pronounced. The primary episode usually occurs within
two weeks after the virus is transmitted and lesions
usually heal within 2-4 weeks of outbreak.  
SYMPTOMS
 Early symptoms may include:
burning sensation in the genitals
flu-like symptoms
lower back pain
pain when urinating
fever 
swollen glands
…
 Small red bumps may appear in the genital area after
initial symptoms, which later develop into painful
blisters.

 The blisters usually:

crust over
form a scab

heal
DIAGNOSIS
 Blood Test
 A blood test for herpes is available only in a few
research centers. 
…
 Microscopic Examination of Tissue Scrapings
 In this process, scrapings from lesions are stained and
then examined under a microscope. 
 This test is less accurate than viral cultures, as it is
difficult to ascertain which type of HSV infection is
present. 
 One common test is called a Tzanck smear.

 Results of the tests take up to 2 weeks.

OTHER AVAILABLE TESTS:
 Antigen test
 Pap Smear
PREVENTION
 avoid any sexual contact if you are infected
 limit the number of sexual partners

 use latex condoms

 visit a local sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic,

hospital, or your doctor if you are infected 
TREATMENT
 Antiviral Medications
 Topical treatments

 Other drugs

 Vaccines

 Alternative treatments
CURRENT HERPES TREATMENTS 
 Dynamiclear (topical application)
 Essential Oils

 Famvir® (Famciclovir)

 Lysine & other Diet Supplements

 Medicinal Herbs

 Oxygen Therapy

 Valtrex and Acyclovir