What is herpes?

Herpes is a common skin virus that does not pose significant health risks, but can cause physical discomfort, result in lost work, and can have an emotional impact due to social stigma.

What are the symptoms of herpes

Herpes causes cold sores or fever blisters.
New infections may result in fever, body aches, or swollen lymph nodes.
If symptoms occur, they often begin with tingling, itching or burning in the area where the sores will appear. 

What are the different types of herpes?

• HSV-1 - Associated with oral outbreaks

• HSV-2 - Associated with genital outbreaks

Both types can be found in either location.

How Is herpes spread?

You can get herpes if you have contact with:

• A herpes sore

• Saliva from a partner with an oral herpes infection

• Genital fluids from a partner with a genital herpes infection

• Skin in the oral area of a partner with oral herpes

• Skin in the genital area of a partner with genital herpes

Is it useful to test for herpes?

Blood tests for herpes do not predict outbreaks, and are not useful for routine screening.
The majority of the population will test positive for herpes antibodies on a blood test.

How is herpes diagnosed?

Herpes is diagnosed through the culture of a lesion.

How is herpes treated?

Herpes outbreaks are often brought on by stress or illness, and can be treated episodically or with daily suppressive medication.
Daily medication can reduce the frequency of outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission.

Although transmission is possible when symptoms are not present, it is significantly less likely than coming in contact with an active outbreak.