Herpes simplex, or HSV, comes in two types. Typically, HSV-1 is also known as "cold sores" or fever blisters. HSV-1 is considered "above the waist", where as HSV-2, "below the waist" is genital herpes. However, both types can be found in both areas. It is spread by oral-oral, genital-genital, and oral-genital contact. Knowing which type is present may only be needed in treatment plans and prediction of future outbreaks. Simply put, herpes comes in threes: 1/3 of the people that get it have outbreaks all the time are in need of constant medication to help control these outbreaks. 1/3 of people with herpes will get the occasional outbreak when triggered by things such as stress and may or may not need drug therapy to help control the outbreaks from getting out of hand. The last 1/3 of people rarely have outbreaks out all. These people will have an initial outbreak that would lead to diagnosis, and will never be cured of herpes, as it never truly goes away, but they very rarely would ever need medication. In anyone, the herpes virus never goes away. It recedes and lies dormant at the spinal cord and will follow the nerves back through the dermatological path (oral or genital) and periodically produce symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
- visible sores
- the sore may burst and become painful to the touch
- first outbreak is generally the most pronounced
- possible fever and swollen glands
Management
- consult a medical professional
- cease all sexual contact until diagnosed and proper education on not infecting a partner has occurred by a medical professional
- there is no cure, but certain medications can help control outbreaks
Prevention
- use protection when having sexual intercourse or related activities
- use discretion when picking sexual partners
- discuss past medical history or STIs before having intercourse or doing related activities with a partner
