Oral herpes<\/strong> is caused by Herpes simplex virus Type 1 and Genital herpes mostly by Herpes simplex virus type 2 though it may be caused by Type 1 too .
\nOral herpes causes sores around the mouth whereas Genital herpes causes them around the genitals or rectum or on the buttocks and thighs . HSV 2 sores may be caused around the mouth as well .<\/p>\nHow does Herpes infection get transmitted ?<\/h2>\n
HSV 1 is transmitted through kissing and by shared utensils and tooth brushes whereas HSV 2 is caused by sexual contact .
\nIf herpes is acquired in pregnancy it may be transmitted to the baby growing in the womb too .<\/p>\n
Why does herpes infection cause recurrences and reactivations ?<\/h3>\n
Once a person acquires herpes virus , it remains latent in the nerves. It can be dormant for many years but outbreaks can be brought on due to
\ndecreased immunity , fever , minor infections , fatigue , stresses , hormonal changes , menstruation , immunosuppression due to chemotherapy or steroids, sexual activity etc.
\nMany people may have numerous episodes every year .<\/p>\n
What are the symptoms of herpes ?<\/h2>\n
Herpes simplex virus typically causes blisters which break down to produce sores which are painful . There can be intense burning and pain especially with urination . Sometimes there may be urinary retention due to the intense pain and burning . Some people may also experience discharge from the vagina .<\/p>\n
Some people hardly have any symptoms and don\u2019t even realise they have it .<\/p>\n
The first episode is generally very severe for most and repeat outbreaks much milder. In fact , a person may be contagious even without any visible sores .<\/p>\n
During a recurrence , shortly before the appearance of sores there may be tingling , itching and burning where the infection first entered the body .<\/p>\n
Diagnosis<\/h2>\n
Herpes can be diagnosed by taking a swab from these sores and sending them for PCR tests or viral cultures . The swabs can also be taken from the urethra.
\nIf there are sores that are beginning to heal these may show a false negative results. False positive results are also known .
\nHerpes can also be tested by antibody tests .<\/p>\n
How can Herpes be treated ?<\/h2>\n
Antiviral medication helps to reduce symptoms and help in healing these sores faster . They also reduce the number of outbreaks and recurrences .<\/p>\n
Are there any complications associated with herpes ?<\/h4>\n
Neonatal herpes is a serious infection in newborns that can be acquired due to herpes infection during pregnancy . It can result in blindness , brain damage and even neonatal death .
\nOther sexually transmitted diseases may be transmitted through these open sores .
\nBladder problems and rectal inflammation may also be caused .<\/p>\n
Prevention<\/h2>\n
Safe sex and using barrier method of contraception is the most important way to prevent herpes . Avoiding intercourse with multiple partners and with your partner if he\/ she has an outbreak of these sores is advised .
\nIn pregnant patients who\u2019ve had herpes in the past , a fresh outbreak around the time of delivery can be prevented by taking antiviral medication late in pregnancy ( generally after 36 weeks of pregnancy)<\/p>\n
If there are any symptoms that appear like these , please consult your doctor and remember the mantra to staying safe is safe sex \u2026 because as we all know ,prevention is always better than cure !<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Herpes infections are of 2 types – Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes . Oral herpes is caused by Herpes simplex virus Type 1 and Genital herpes mostly by Herpes simplex virus type 2 though it may be caused by Type 1 too . Oral herpes causes sores around the mouth whereas Genital herpes causes them… Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1643","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nHerpes infections - Insights by Dr. Shelly Singh<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/drshellysingh.com\/blog\/herpes-infections\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Herpes infections - Insights by Dr. Shelly Singh\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Herpes infections are of 2 types – Oral Herpes and Genital Herpes . 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