STI - Sexually Transmitted Infections (pamphlet)

Herpes

What is it?

Herpes is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus [HSV]. There are two types of HSV, types 1 and 2. They can cause painful sores around the mouth which are called cold sores. They can also cause sores on the genitals. This in know as genital herpes.

How do you get it?

• You may get it by kissing someone who has a cold sore.
• You may get herpes in your genital area if you have oral sex with someone who has cold sores.
• You may also get herpes in your eyes, mouth and genitals by touching the sores.
• You can pass on the virus when you have sores on your mouth or genitals that are easy to see but you can also pass on the infection without having any sores.
• If you are pregnant, you can pass the virus to you baby during pregnancy or when you give birth. Tell your doctor if you have herpes. He/she can give you medication to reduce the risk of your baby getting herpes while you are pregnant.
• You may not know that you have herpes, but you can still pass it on.

How can you tell if you have it?

A large number of people infected with herpes will not have symptoms and therefore you may not know you have it. If you have herpes symptoms you will most likely feel itching or tingling on your skin and then develop painful blisters that turn into sores. It will heal by itself. When you first have an outbreak of herpes, you may also feel like you have the flu and symptoms may last several weeks.

Can it keep coming back?

Yes, the first outbreak of herpes is usually the worst.  You may get more than one outbreak. These are called recurrences and they tend to be milder than the first outbreak.  The reinfection might appear again because you:

• are tired or under stress
• are ill
• have a fever
• got too much sun
• have your period
• are pregnant

If you have herpes, you have to rest, eat well and exercise.

How do you get tested?

A doctor or nurse checks your sores.  They may also take a swab from your sores.  In some places, the doctor may order a blood test to help in the diagnosis of herpes.

How is it treated?

It cannot be cured but it can be managed.  There are medications that may help to prevent outbreaks or reduce the length of time that an outbreak lasts.  The doctor may also prescribe a medication for pain if your outbreaks are severe.

What can you do if you have a herpes outbreak?

• Keep the area clean
• Wear cotton underwear
• Wear loose fitting clothes
• After urinating, wash your genital area with cool water
• If it hurts when you urinate, sit in a tub of warm water to urinate or pour warm water over the area while you are urinating
• Avoid “wiping” the area.  Pat it dry to avoid spreading the infection.

How can you prevent passing on the virus?

• If you feel a burning or tingling sensation but have no sores, do not have sex.  This is a sign that you may be developing an outbreak and even without sores, you can pass on the virus.
• Do not perform oral sex when you have a cold sore.
• You should not have sex if you have an outbreak of genital herpes. Wait until the sores are completely healed .
• Remember, you can pass on the herpes virus even when you don’t have sores.