Highlights:

Herpes Viruses

• Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is the main cause of herpes infections that occur on the mouth and lips. These include cold sores and fever blisters. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes.
• Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is the main cause of genital herpes.

Transmission of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is spread by sexual activity through skin-to-skin contact. The risk of infection is highest during outbreak periods when there are visible sores and lesions. However, genital herpes can also be transmitted when there are no visible symptoms. Most new cases of genital herpes infection do not cause symptoms and many people infected with HSV-2 are unaware that they have genital herpes.

To help prevent genital herpes transmission:

• Use a latex condom for sexual intercourse
• Use a dental dam for oral sex
• Limit your number of sexual partners
• Be aware that nonoxonyl 9, the chemical used in stand-alone spermicides in gels and foam contraceptive products, does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Symptoms

When genital herpes symptoms do appear, they are usually worse during the first outbreak than during recurring attacks. During an initial outbreak:

• Symptoms usually appear within 1 - 2 weeks after sexual exposure to the virus.
• The first signs are a tingling sensation in the affected areas, (genitalia, buttocks, thighs), and groups of small red bumps that develop into blisters.
• Over the next 2 - 3 weeks, more blisters can appear and rupture into painful open sores.
• The lesions eventually dry out and develop a crust, and then heal rapidly without leaving a scar.
• About 40% of men and 70% of women develop other symptoms during initial outbreaks of genital herpes, such as flu-like discomfort, headache, muscle aches, fever, and swollen glands.