The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, comes in two forms, HSV-1 and HSV-2. These variants show a preference for the site of infection, with HSV-1 being more common as an oral infection and HSV-2 being more likely to infect the genital area. However, despite this preference, either strain can infect both oral and genital areas, as well as infecting other sites on the body such as the eye or any area where there is an open wound.
Physical Effects
The main physical effect of the herpes virus is the presence of small blisters that develop into open sores before crusting over and healing. These appear on the genitals, lips, mouth, eyes or skin. The initial infection typically produces the worst outbreak, with successive recurrent outbreaks producing fewer blisters that last a shorter time. In many people infected with herpes, the virus reactivates randomly, although an outbreak may be more likely during times of stress, illness, or physical trauma. In some people, the outbreaks are asymptomatic and no blisters appear. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people who have the herpes simplex virus are unaware that they are infected.
Psychological Effects
Because of the designation of genital herpes as a sexually transmitted disease, many people are embarrassed and devastated when they discover that they have the virus. These individuals feel that they are alone and cannot discuss their diagnosis with others because of the stigma attached to the virus. Those with herpes may have concerns about how to tell potential partners, how to deal with outbreaks, and the necessity of hiding the diagnosis from family and friends. Many of these worries are based in myths that present herpes as a rare disease. However, according to 2006 information from Herpes.org, about 25 percent of people in the United States have genital herpes and as many as 80 percent may have oral herpes.
Behavioral Effects
An infection with the herpes virus may necessitate a change of behavior, particularly when it comes to sexual behavior. A person with genital herpes should insist upon practicing safe sex in order to prevent passing the virus to sexual partners. Condoms, dental dams and other physical barriers can be used to avoid contact with the infected area. An individual with herpes should also avoid having sexual contact during an active outbreak. Someone with oral herpes should avoid kissing or oral sex during an outbreak, since oral herpes can also be transmitted to the genitals.
Effects on Pregnancy and Newborns
Neonatal infection with herpes can be extremely dangerous to the infant since it can get into the bloodstream and cause sepsis, organ damage, meningitis and death. Most cases of neonatal herpes occur when the mother is having an outbreak at the time of birth or when she has been infected for the first time during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Two simple changes in behavior can help prevent many cases of neonatal herpes: taking the antiviral medication acyclovir during the last trimester, and opting for a Cesarean section if an active outbreak occurs just before or during labor.
