Consumer Backgrounder on Genital Herpes

Background information for people interested in genital herpes

What is genital herpes?

• Genital herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2.1
• HSV-1 most commonly causes cold sores, but can also be transmitted to the genitals through direct skin-to-skin contact, often via oral sex. About 80 per cent of adults have HSV-1.1
• HSV-2 is responsible for most genital herpes and is commonly transmitted through sexual contact.1
• Approximately one-in-eight active Australians over the age of 25 has HSV-2.2 Of these, 20 per cent are aware that they have the virus, 60 per cent are unaware that they have it, but have symptoms, while another 20 per cent have no symptoms.3

Transmission of the virus

• Genital herpes is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or sexual contact.1
• This may occur when a person has a recurrence, but it more commonly it occurs between episodes, when the virus is still found on the skin, but there are no symptoms.4
• Twenty per cent of people who have been exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2 never develop any symptoms.3 Even without symptoms, these people are infectious and can transmit the infection at any time.4

Symptoms

•  The first symptoms of genital herpes may occur two-to-20 days after first contact with the virus.5
• This first episode of genital herpes is often the most severe because the immune system has not had time to develop antibodies to protect against the virus.
• Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes (glands in the groin, neck and armpit), or flu-like symptoms (sore muscles, tiredness, headaches, fever and chills).1
• Other symptoms can include swelling, pain or itching around the genitals, possibly followed by painful red spots that can form small blisters. These blisters may burst to form open sores or ulcers, which crust over and heal. There may also be pain during urination.1
• Usually symptoms associated with the first episode heal in a few weeks.1
• Following the first episode, 95 per cent of individuals will have recurrences of the infection.6
• These are usually mild and short lived. Most people with herpes only have occasional recurrences, but some will have then every month or even more often.

Treatment

• Treatments for genital herpes can reduce the severity, frequency and duration of outbreaks.5
• There are currently 3 herpes antiviral medications available in tablet form - famciclovir, aciclovir and valaciclovir.5
• Antiviral medications help stop the virus from multiplying, effectively reducing the duration of outbreaks.1
• Genital herpes may be treated episodically or suppressively.5
• Episodic treatment involves treating each recurrence when it occurs.5
• Taking a two-day or a five-day episodic treatment at the first signs of an outbreak will help reduce the length and severity of symptoms.5
• Suppressive (preventative) treatment involves taking medication on a daily basis to reduce the chance of an outbreak occurring.5
• Continuous suppressive treatment is useful for those who are experiencing frequent recurrences. Most individuals taking suppressive treatment will either have no recurrences or very few minor episodes during treatment.5

More information

For more information, please contact Kirsten Bruce or Michaela Patton from VIVA! Communications on 02 9884 9011 or 0401 717 566 / 0423 877 748.
 

1. 1. Sacks SL. The truth about herpes. 1997 4th Edition, Gordon Soules Book Publishers Ltd, West Vancouver, Canada.
2. 2. Cunningham AL, Taylor R, Taylor J, Marks C, Shaw J, Mindel A. Prevalence of infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 in Australia: a nationwide population based survey. Sex Transm Infect 2006; 82: 164-168
3. 3. Australian Herpes Management Forum. Guidelines for clinicians: Managing genital herpes [fact sheet]. Feb 2008
4. 4. Mertz GJ, Benedetti J, Ashley R, Selke SA, Corey L. Risk factors for the sexual transmission of genital herpes. Ann Int Med 1992; 116(3): 197-202
5. 5. Ooi C & Dayan L. Genital herpes: an approach for general practitioners in Australia. Australian Family Physician 2002; 31:9
6. 6. Australian Herpes Management Forum. Guidelines for clinicians: Suppressive therapy for genital herpes (fact sheet). Apr 2008