HERPES (HSV-1) (HSV-2) an In Depth Look
The disease known as herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex viruses are categorized into types: type 1 (HSV-1 or oral herpes) and type 2 (HSV-2 or genital herpes). HSV-1 causes sores (sometimes called “fever blisters” or “cold sores”) around the mouth and lips. HSV-1, which is transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin, can be spread through kissing and sharing objects such as toothbrushes or eating utensils. HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-2. In HSV-2, the infected person can have sores/blisters around the genitals or rectum. Although HSV-2 sores may occur in other locations, these sores usually are found below the waist. Further more an infected person with HSV-2 may complain of itchy skin around the genital or anal regions of the body. This is where a tiny group of blisters have developed. These burning blisters, which slowly fill up with a clear fluid that eventually break, leaving open sores that develop forming yellow crusts on the skin.
With or without visible symptoms, the disease can be transmitted between sex partners, from mothers to newborns and can increase a person’s risk of becoming infected with HIV. Herpes may play a role in the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Herpes can make people more susceptible to HIV infection, and it can make HIV-infected individuals more infectious.
How is Herpes Diagnosed
The signs and symptoms associated with Herpes can vary greatly. If it is not clear that you have cold sores, herpes tests may be done. The health professional takes a sample of fluid from a sore and has it tested. Having the sample taken is usually not uncomfortable even if the sore is tender or painful. Health care providers can diagnose genital herpes by visual inspection if the outbreak is typical, and by taking a sample from the sore(s) and testing it in a laboratory. HSV infections can be difficult to diagnose between outbreaks. Blood tests, which detect HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection, may be helpful, although the results are not always clear-cut.
The Symptoms of Herpes
Herpes is a chronic, life-long viral infection. The signs and symptoms that occur during the first outbreak can be quite pronounced. The first outbreak usually occurs within two weeks of transmittal of the virus. These sores will heal in about two to four weeks. After this healing process you may develop other signs and symptoms during your primary episode that may lead to a second set of blisters/sores, and flu-like symptoms. This may even include fever and swollen glands. Most people diagnosed with a first episode of herpes can expect to have several (typically four to five) outbreaks within a year. Genital Herpes can cause recurrent painful genital sores in many adults, and herpes infection can be severe in people with suppressed immune systems.
Symptoms of an outbreak may include:
- Facial sores, tingling, burning, itching, and redness to the infected area where an outbreak is about to occur.
- Painful, itchy blisters on the male penis, the vulva, or even on the inside of the vagina. Blisters may also appear on the buttocks, anus, thighs, and scrotum. Some of these blisters can become the size of a small coin.
- Painful blisters that rupture and become sores.
- Painful urination, abnormal vaginal or urethral discharge may be present
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches.
- Fever blisters/Cold sores around the mouth
A person may experience these symptoms weeks or even years after they have been infected. Symptoms of herpes infections in both primary and recurrent outbreaks tend to be more severe in women than in men.
