What is herpes simplex 2?
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus that cause blisters
or sores. There are two types of HSV, and both can cause genital
herpes. HSV type 1 most commonly infects the lips, causing sores
known as fever blisters or cold sores, but it also can infect
the genital area and produce sores. HSV type 2 is the usual cause
of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth.
According
to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 45
million people (age 12 and older) have been infected with genital
herpes virus. Studies have shown that herpes simplex 2 cases
are more frequent in men who have sex with men (MSM) vs. men
who have sex with women. In addition, 80 to 95%
of HIV-infected MSM
are known to also be infected with herpes simplex 2.
Factors
known to increase the risk of contracting the infection include:
- Unprotected sex, especially with someone who has multiple
partners or is known to have herpes
- People with HIV infection
are more likely to contract herpes simplex infection because
of their decreased ability to fight infection
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What are the symptoms of herpes
simplex 2?
Many people who have HSV have no signs of the virus.
In fact, it’s estimated that 90% of people infected with
HSV are unaware they have it. However, for those with symptoms,
the first outbreak is usually the most severe (usually occurs
within 2 to 10 days of exposure) and can last two to three weeks.
Early symptoms may include itching or burning around the genitals
or anus, flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, pain in legs, buttocks
or genitals, vaginal discharge or pressure below the stomach.
After that, sores or blisters can develop around the penis, testicles
(balls), anus, buttocks, upper thighs, or vulva (in women).
The number of outbreaks varies from person to person. Some have
one outbreak and never have it again. Some have several over
the period of a year. In general, the number of outbreaks and
severity of symptoms decreases over time.
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Why get tested?
Testing is easy and safe. Early treatment may decrease
the length of an outbreak and testing will give you the information
you need to keep yourself and others healthy.
There are a couple of testing options:
- Visit a testing
site if you suspect infection
- Get tested at your own health care provider's office or
health center
Diagnosis of genital herpes can be determined by a visual examination
(when sores are present) combined with a viral culture or swab
of the sore. Blood tests are used to detect previous infection
even when sores are not present and would indicate only if a
person has been exposed to herpes 1 and 2. There are blood
tests to differentiate herpes 1 vs 2 but they can be costly.
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How is herpes simplex 2 treated?
HSV is not curable and may lie dormant in the body
for months, years or forever. The good news is that it is usually
not considered dangerous for adults and a number of drug treatment
options are available to suppress symptoms and speed healing.
During outbreaks, steps can be taken to help the healing process
and prevent spread, including:
- Keeping the infected area clean and dry
- Avoid touching the sores
- Washing hands thoroughly if sores are touched
- Avoid sexual
contact during outbreaks
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How can I protect myself and my
partners from herpes simplex 2?
If you are sexually active, make STD
testing part of
your routine. In addition, use condoms, consider limiting
the number of sexual partners, avoid sex or skin to skin contact
with a partner with open lesions, never share sex toys and know
each partner’s sexual history. If you are infected,
you should abstain from all sexual activity when symptoms occur
even before blisters or sores develop (prodromal stage) and until
the HSV lesions are healed.
If you are infected, you should abstain from all sexual activity
when symptoms occur even before blisters or sores develop (prodromal
stage) and until the HSV lesions are healed.
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What do I need to know about herpes
simplex 2 and HIV?
HIV negative people with genital herpes are more
likely to acquire HIV infection because of having open lesions. Those
who are HIV-positive and also infected with genital herpes are
more likely to transmit HIV infection as well as have more severe
outbreaks due to compromised immune system.
Take steps to educate yourself about this chronic viral infection
and share this information with your partner so that he or she
may be informed and educated as well.
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