Information for Patients
Home >

Resources for patients/public

Information

Non-sexual transmission of herpes

Herpes is passed on from person to person when the virus is shed from the skin of the first person and comes into contact with the skin of the second. This is what happens when a person first contracts cold sores or genital herpes. It’s sometimes possible for a person to transit the virus from one part of the body to another. This occasionally happens with herpetic whitlows, which are sores or blisters occurring on the fingers, or herpes keratitis, which affects the eyes.
Herpes transmission and safe sex

People with genital herpes or cold sores can pass these conditions on to their sexual partners. It’s possible to decrease the risk of passing it on, but unfortunately it’s not as straightforward to prevent transmission as it is for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or HIV.
Ten things you should know about herpes dermatitis and herpetic whitlow

The herpes virus usually affects the mouth or genitals, but sometimes it can spread to other parts of the body. Where and how does it spread?
Nine things you should know about post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN)

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of shingles, causing ongoing pain after the rash has cleared. It's most likely in older people, and after severe attacks of shingles.
Debunking the myths about genital herpes

This page is a list of myths about herpes. Many people with genital herpes believe at least one of these statements... but they are not true! This is the place to clear up any misconceptions you might have...
Nine things you should know about shingles (herpes zoster)

People who have had chickenpox (90 per cent of the population) can later develop shingles (herpes zoster). It occurs when the varicella zoster virus—which causes chickenpox and remains then dormant—re-activates. Shingles is known for causing a painful rash on one side. Antiviral medications are an extremely effective treatment for shingles, as long as they are commenced within one or two days of the rash appearing.

Video

Kissing and Herpes 30 second TV commercial

Kissing is one of the most common ways of transmitting the herpes virus. The AHMF produced this television commercial in August 2009 to raise awareness of the issue.

Audio

Prof Adrian Mindel interviewed about HSV and Film Competition

This audio clip of an interview with Professor Adrian Mindel addresses issues such as

  • the stigma of HSV
  • statistics on HSV infection in Australia
  • carrying the HSV virus without symptoms
  • diagnosing HSV infection
  • the rationale for the Live & Love short film competition

 The audio clip is 8:33 long and can be downloaded to your computer.
Kissing and Herpes Radio Advertisement

The AHMF broadcast this radio advertisement in August 2009 to raise awareness about transmission of herpes through kissing.

Web links

National Sexual Health Program: STI Prevention, Testing and Treatment

Targeted at young people, this website provides straightforward information about safe sex and STIs. It aims to give people awareness of the risks associated with unprotected sex and to foster a sense of individual responsibility.

Tools on the site include an interactive "spinning wheel" giving information about STIs, and a "deck of cards" which provides arguments for using condoms during sex. 
CDC: Cytomegalovirus

The US Centers for Disease Control website covers many aspects of cytomegalovirus/CMV, including FAQs, symptoms, testing, diagnosis and research. Information is available for people in specific groups, including those with weakend immune systems and pregnant/expecting parents.
Public sexual health clinics in Australia and New Zealand
AChSHM

This PDF file, published by the Australasian chapter of Sexual Health Medicine,  is a list of all public sexual health clinics in Australia and New Zealand. Most provide service free of charge. If you think you need to speak to a doctor or other health professional about genital herpes, the AHMF recommends that you contact one of the centres in this book.
Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine Q&A : Centers for Disease Control

General questions and answers about vaccination against shingles, which is now recommended for people aged 60 and over.
HealthInsite: Chickenpox

Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses. It spreads easily from person to person through the air and physical contact

HealthInsite is an initiative of the Australian Department of Health and Ageing. It provides links to trusted Australian health information, published by selected organisations who provide quality information. All content is regularly reviewed and checked for quality and accuracy.
HealthInsite: Shingles

Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs in people who have had chickenpox. It generally affects the elderly, although it occasionally occurs in younger people or people with immune system deficiencies.
HealthInsite: Glandular fever

Glandular Fever is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It can be spread by coughing and sneezing or by sharing eating and drinking utensils. Symptoms of the disease include fever, a sore throat, and swollen lymph glands.

HealthInsite is an initiative of the Australian Department of Health and Ageing. It provides links to trusted Australian health information, published by selected organisations who provide quality information. All content is regularly reviewed and checked for quality and accuracy.

Australian Herpes Management Forum, c/- STIRC, Marian Villa, Westmead Hospital, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia.

Telephone: +61 (2) 8230 3843 - Fax: +61 (2) 9845 6287

Contact AHMF by email - ACN 096 346 477 - ABN 85 096 346 477