About Herpes Simplex 2

Overview

Herpes simplex 2 is the virus that causes 80 percent of genital herpes infections, and 5 percent to 10 percent of oral herpes infections. It is usually transmitted sexually. There is no known cure, and the virus stays in the body permanently, causing periodic outbreaks in some people. An outbreak consists of blisters that can be painful and that heal heal within a week or two. The virus then retreats deep into the nerve fibers, causing no symptoms until the next outbreak, which could be weeks, months or years later.

Statistics

Of Americans ages 12 and up, about 20 percent---or 45 million people---are infected with genital herpes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus is more readily transmitted from a male to a female. About 25 percent of women in the United States are infected.

Prevention

Herpes simplex 2 is harder to prevent than some other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), because many people don't know they have it. They have no symptoms, or their symptoms are so mild that they never notice them. Condoms do not protect completely against infection. Herpes is spread by skin-to-skin contact, not bodily fluids. It often affects areas of the pubic region not covered by a condom. The best away to avoid contracting herpes simplex 2 is to refrain from having sex with a partner who is experiencing herpes lesions or prodromes, which are tingling sensations that often precede an outbreak. Use a condom with any sexual partner, taking advantage of the protection it does offer. People with herpes may opt for continuous therapy with an antiviral medication. That could reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of transmission to you.

Diagnosis

Herpes simplex 2 is not as easy to diagnose as other STDs. Any sore in the genital region should be cultured and tested in a laboratory. The test is accurate if enough fluid is present in the sore. Blood testing is possible between outbreaks, but it only confirms that the person is carrying the virus. Blood tests cannot determine whether particular symptoms are a manifestation of herpes or something else. Herpes testing is not part of routine herpes screening at most clinics.

Treatment

The symptoms of herpes generally can be minimized with antiviral medications. The most commonly prescribed are acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir. They can be used for episodic therapy, meaning treatment begins at the first hint of an outbreak and last a few days at most, or for suppressive therapy, where the drug is taken at a low dose every day to prevent outbreaks. Researchers believe suppressive therapy inhibits shedding of the virus, which may reduce the risk of infecting a partner. Maintaining general good health and avoiding common outbreak triggers, such as high stress levels and high alcohol intake, also can reduce the impact of herpes.

Complications

The main problems associated with herpes simplex 2 are pain, discomfort and social stigma. It is not generally a dangerous disease, but in certain cases it can have serious complications. Herpes simplex 2 can be transmitted during childbirth. Such infections are rare, but can be fatal for a newborn. Additionally, because it involves open sores, herpes may facilitate transmission of HIV. A person with herpes could be more susceptible to HIV, and someone who has both herpes and HIV may spread HIV more easily.