When a patient has herpes, he can have one of two strains of the virus: type 1 or type 2. Not everyone who becomes exposed to a herpes simplex virus will exhibit symptoms. MedlinePlus points out that 30 to 90 percent of people develop type 1, or HSV-1, antibodies, while up to 30 percent of people develop type 2, or HSV-2, antibodies. Once a herpes infection occurs, the virus stays in the patient's body, causing symptoms when it becomes reactivated.
Method of Transmission
Each type of herpes simplex virus has a different method of transmission. For example, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that HSV-1 spreads through saliva, so people can contract the virus through kissing or sharing objects like towels or eating utensils. People can get HSV-2 through sexual contact.
Symptoms
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 cause sores, but on different areas of the body. HSV-1 causes cold sores, which form on the mouth and lips. HSV-2 causes genital sores, which can occur on the anus, penis, vulva, vagina and even on the cervix. A cross-infection, like HSV-2 affecting the mouth, can occur through oral intercourse. The sores caused by herpes are fluid-filled and painful. When they burst, a yellow crust forms, which falls off when the sore heals. MedlinePlus adds that during the first outbreak of herpes, patients can also have enlarged lymph nodes and a fever.
Diagnosis
The American Academy of Dermatology points out that often, a doctor can diagnose herpes by sight alone. If the doctor is not sure the sores result from herpes, she will take a swab of a sore and send it to a laboratory for testing. The doctor may also take a blood sample from the patient to test for herpes antibodies, which will show if the patient has HSV-1 or HSV-2.
Treatment
MedlinePlus explains that if the herpes is mild, the patient may not need treatment. For patients who need treatment, they take an antiviral medication. Options include famciclovir, acyclovir and valacyclovir, which reduces the herpes simplex virus's activity. These antiviral medications are available in pill form and in a cream. Patients with genital sores should not use the cream on their sores. Some patients may take the antiviral medications regularly to reduce the number of outbreaks they have. While famciclovir, acyclovir and valacyclovir need a prescription, HSV-1 patients can use an over-the-counter medication called docosanol topical, which also treats the sores.
Prevention
People can avoid contracting HSV-2 by abstaining from sex with a person who has open sores. Condoms can also reduce the risk of HSV-2 transmission. The American Academy of Dermatology points out, however, that if the condom does not cover all of the genital sores, the patient's sexual partner may become infected. People can prevent contracting HSV-1 by not kissing or sharing items that come into contact with the mouth with a herpes patient who has an open sore.
