Description
There are two types of HSV:
- Type 1 is usually found around the mouth and is commonly known as a cold sore
- Type 2 is usually found around the dick and arse areas and is commonly known as genital herpes
Transmission
Herpes can be passed on both sexually and non-sexually during skin to skin contact, by direct contact with a sore on the mouth, dick or arse, and can also be transmitted where there are no obvious symptoms present.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms may not always be present, but can include:
- Itching or tingling feeling around the infected area
- An outbreak of painful blisters or sores which later form scabs
- Flu-like symptoms may be present
Testing
A physical examination of the affected area can detect a herpes outbreak.
Treatment
There is no cure, but there are treatments that can reduce symptoms and speed up recovery. The possibility of repeated outbreaks varies from person to person, but outbreaks may become less frequent and over time may stop all together.
If You’re HIV Positive
Outbreaks of HSV can be more sever and last longer for those with HIV. HIV viral loads can peak during outbreaks and increase transmission risk to partners of both HSV and HIV.
Prevention
Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission.
There is strong evidence that taking anti-HSV medications greatly reduces the risk of passing herpes on to partners.
