Herpes Simplex: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Overview

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes herpes infection.
• Appears commonly on the mouth or genitals.
• Two types:
  • HSV-1: Causes oral herpes, fever blisters, and cold sores.
  • HSV-2: Causes genital herpes.

Causes

• HSV-1:
  • Spread through kissing, sharing food utensils, and lip balm.
  • Contracted during an outbreak but may be asymptomatic.
• HSV-2:
  • Spread through sexual contact with herpes sores.
  • Cannot be contracted from someone asymptomatic.
• Risk factors for HSV-2:
  1. Being female
  2. Multiple sex partners
  3. Early sexual activity
  4. Weakened immune system
  5. Other STIs

Symptoms

• Common Symptoms:
  1. Blistering sores (genitals/mouth)
  2. Itching in affected areas
  3. Painful urination (genital herpes)
• Flu-like Symptoms:
  1. Swollen lymph nodes
  2. Headaches
  3. Fever
  4. Tiredness
  5. Lack of appetite
• Herpes Keratitis (eye involvement):
  • Eye discharge, pain, grittiness.

Diagnosis

• Begins with a physical examination.
• Herpes Culture Test:
  • Swab of liquid from sore.
• Blood Tests:
  • Check for herpes antibodies.

Treatment

• No cure; focus on symptom management and reducing outbreaks.
• Common medications:
  • Vemma cyclovir
  • Aciclovir
  • Valacyclovir
• Medications ease sores and reduce transmission risk.

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