(The Herpes Virus by Genia Greenland, certified registered nurse practitioner at Keystone Urgent Care, first appeared in the June 28 Public Opinion Newspaper. Click here to read it www.publicopiniononline.com.)
More than 50 million Americans suffer from HSV-2, the herpes simplex virus. More commonly known as genital herpes, the virus can be transmitted unknowingly and shared easily if precautions are not taken. But how do people get this virus and what can be done to prevent it?
What is herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two strains of HSV. The first strain, HSV-1, causes cold sores. The second strain, HSV-2, is responsible for genital herpes which produces genital sores. HSV-2 is a common virus.
Genital herpes is contracted through sexual contact including oral, anal, and vaginal sex. It is also possible to develop genital herpes after exposure to a cold sore during oral sex. The virus is NOT transmitted from environmental surfaces such as door knobs, toilet seats, or bed linens.
The virus causes three different kinds of symptoms. The initial outbreak is generally the most severe episode, occurring a few weeks from being infected and lasting two to three weeks. Multiple blisters and ulcers develop in the genital area and can include buttocks and thighs. These blisters are very painful but eventually crust over and heal. New blisters may develop up to a week after the first blisters appear. The initial outbreak can also cause flu like symptoms such as fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes in groin, and joint pain.
After the initial episode occurs, the virus can become dormant. The virus can later again flare up, causing an outbreak of blisters, however it tends to be much milder and does not involve flu like symptoms. Recurrent episodes are often triggered by a lowered immune system such as illness, stress, and fatigue.This chronic, life-long condition has no cure but can be managed with antiviral medications which treat periods of active outbreak as well as to suppress the virus from becoming an active outbreak.
Protect yourself, protect others
Since the virus can be spread without even knowing it, it’s important to take precautions when engaging in sexual activity. Even though is it easier to transmit the virus when it is in its active outbreak stage, it is possible to spread the virus even when no symptoms exist. If there is sexual contact during the period between transmission and the initial outbreak, you can spread the virus without ever knowing you have it. In the majority of cases the initial outbreak is severe and most people are aware there is a problem, however, the initial outbreak can be very mild and may go unrecognized. In this case it can be easy to transmit the virus by an unknowing person. Do not have sexual exposure if any blisters are present. It is easier to transmit the virus during periods of outbreak.
Genital herpes can be transmitted from infected mothers to their newborns during vaginal delivery. It also increases your risk of acquiring HIV. During an outbreak, which produces open sores, it makes it easier for the HIV infected person’s fluids to enter your body. Since it is a sexually transmitted virus- limiting the number of sexual contacts will decrease your risk of contracting the virus. Condom use with every sexual encounter can decrease the risk of transmission. Regular testing for STD’s is recommended for sexually active people with multiple partners.
If you have genital herpes, you need to communicate this with your partner before the first sexual encounter. Even though it may be embarrassing, it is important for each partner to be informed so they can make educated decisions about the virus.
Where to Get Help
If you suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or have experienced any symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider such as a primary care physician or OB/GYN as soon as possible. If they are unavailable, an acute care or urgent care clinic is also appropriate.
Genia Greenland is a certified registered nurse practitioner at Keystone Urgent Care located at The Cochran Professional Center on Fifth Avenue in Chambersburg. For more information about Keystone Urgent Care, visitwww.keystoneurgentcare.org.