Hsv 1 herpes symptoms: Herpes Simplex (HSV-1 & HSV-2) Virus: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Herpes simplex virus
Herpes simplex virus
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- Herpes simplex virus
Key facts
- An estimated 3.
7 billion people under age 50 (67%) globally have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, the main cause of oral herpes. - An estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) worldwide have herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, the main cause of genital herpes.
- Most HSV infections are asymptomatic or unrecognized, but symptoms of herpes include painful blisters or ulcers that can recur over time.
- Infection with HSV-2 increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection.
7 billion people under age 50 (67%) globally have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, the main cause of oral herpes.Overview
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable.
There are two types of herpes simplex virus.
Type 1 (HSV-1) mostly spreads by oral contact and causes infections in or around the mouth (oral herpes or cold sores). It can also cause genital herpes. Most adults are infected with HSV-1.
Type 2 (HSV-2) spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes.
Most people have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. The infection can cause painful blisters or ulcers that can recur over time. Medicines can reduce symptoms but can’t cure the infection.
Recurrent symptoms of both oral and genital herpes may be distressing. Genital herpes may also be stigmatizing and have an impact on sexual relationships. However, in time, most people with either kind of herpes adjust to living with the infection.
Symptoms
Most people with herpes have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. Many people aren’t aware they have the infection and can pass along the virus to others without knowing.
Symptoms can include painful, recurring blisters or ulcers. New infections may cause fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms may be different during the first episode (or ‘outbreak’) of infection than during a recurrent episode. If symptoms occur, they often begin with tingling, itching or burning near where the sores will appear.
Common oral herpes symptoms include blisters (cold sores) or open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth or lips.
Common genital herpes symptoms include bumps, blisters, or open sores (ulcers) around the genitals or anus.
These sores and blisters are typically painful. Blisters may break open, ooze and then crust over.
During their first infection, people may experience:
- fever
- body aches
- sore throat (oral herpes)
- headache
- swollen lymph nodes near the infection.
People can have repeated outbreaks over time (‘recurrences’). These are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak.
Treatment
Medicines are often used to treat first or recurrent episodes of herpes. They can decrease how long symptoms last and how severe they are, but they can’t cure the infection.
Treatment for recurrent episodes is most effective when started within 48 hours of when symptoms begin.
Antiviral medicines commonly given include acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir.
Taking a lower daily dose of one of these medicines can also decrease how often symptoms occur (‘outbreaks’).
Treatment is often recommended for people who get very painful or frequent recurrent episodes or who want to lower the risk of giving herpes to someone else.
Medicines to help with pain related to sores include paracetamol (acetaminophen), naproxen or ibuprofen. Medicines that can be applied to numb the affected area include benzocaine and lidocaine.
Herpes simplex virus lives inside of nerve cells and alternates between being inactive and active. Certain triggers can make the virus active including:
- illness or fever
- sun exposure
- menstrual period
- injury
- emotional stress
- surgery.
For people whose oral herpes is activated by sunlight, avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunscreen can lower the risk of recurrences.
To decrease symptoms of oral herpes, people can:
- drink cold drinks or suck on popsicles
- use over-the-counter pain medicines.
For genital herpes, people can:
- sit in a warm bath for 20 minutes (without soap)
- wear loose fitting clothes
- use over-the-counter pain medicines.
There are ways to lower the risk of spreading herpes including:
- talk to your partner about having herpes
- don’t have sex if you have symptoms and always wear a condom
- don’t share items that touched saliva (oral herpes).
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, because there is a risk of passing herpes to your baby.
Scope of the problem
In 2016 (last available estimates), 3.7 billion people under the age of 50, or 67% of the global population, had HSV-1 infection (oral or genital).
Most HSV-1 infections are acquired during childhood.
Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 affects an estimated 491 million (13%) people aged 15–49 years worldwide (2016 data). HSV-2 infects women almost twice as often as men because sexual transmission is more efficient from men to women. Prevalence increases with age, though the highest number of new infections are in adolescents.
Transmission
HSV-1 is mainly transmitted via contact with the virus in sores, saliva or surfaces in or around the mouth. Less commonly, HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genital area through oral-genital contact to cause genital herpes. It can be transmitted from oral or skin surfaces that appear normal; however, the greatest risk of transmission is when there are active sores. People who already have HSV-1 are not at risk of reinfection, but they are still at risk of acquiring HSV-2.
HSV-2 is mainly transmitted during sex through contact with genital or anal surfaces, skin, sores or fluids of someone infected with the virus.
HSV-2 can be transmitted even if the skin looks normal and is often transmitted in the absence of symptoms.
In rare circumstances, herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery, causing neonatal herpes.
Possible complications
HSV-2 and HIV infection
HSV-2 infection increases the risk of acquiring HIV infection by approximately three-fold. Additionally, people with both HIV and HSV-2 infection are more likely to spread HIV to others. HSV-2 infection is among the most common infections in people living with HIV.
Severe disease
In immunocompromised people, including those with advanced HIV infection, herpes can have more severe symptoms and more frequent recurrences. Rare complications of HSV-2 include meningoencephalitis (brain infection) and disseminated infection. Rarely, HSV-1 infection can lead to more severe complications such as encephalitis (brain infection) or keratitis (eye infection).
Neonatal herpes
Neonatal herpes can occur when an infant is exposed to HSV during delivery.
Neonatal herpes is rare, occurring in an estimated 10 out of every 100 000 births globally. However, it is a serious condition that can lead to lasting neurologic disability or death. The risk for neonatal herpes is greatest when a mother acquires HSV for the first time in late pregnancy.
Prevention
People with symptoms of oral herpes should avoid oral contact with others (including oral sex) and sharing objects that touched saliva. Individuals with symptoms of genital herpes should abstain from sexual activity while experiencing symptoms. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are most contagious when sores are present but can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or visible.
For sexually active people, consistent and correct use of condoms is the best way to prevent genital herpes and other STIs. Condoms reduce the risk; however, HSV infection can still occur through contact with genital or anal areas not covered by the condom. Medical male circumcision can provide life-long partial protection against HSV-2 infection, as well as against HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV).
People with symptoms suggestive of genital herpes should be offered HIV testing.
Pregnant women with symptoms of genital herpes should inform their health care providers. Preventing acquisition of HSV-2 infection is particularly important for women in late pregnancy when the risk for neonatal herpes is greatest.
WHO response
WHO is working to increase awareness about HSV infection and its symptoms, improve access to antiviral medications, and promote HIV prevention efforts for those with genital herpes, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
WHO and partners are also supporting research to develop new strategies for prevention and control of HSV infections, such as vaccines and topical microbicides.
- Global estimates of prevalent and incident Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 infections in 2012
PLoS ONE 9(12): e114989 - More about sexually transmitted diseases
Herpes Simplex (HSV-1 & HSV-2) Virus: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
- What Causes Herpes Infections and Outbreaks?
- What Are the Symptoms of Herpes Simplex?
- How Is Herpes Simplex Diagnosed?
- How Is Herpes Simplex Treated?
- How Painful Is Herpes Simplex?
- Can Herpes Be Cured?
- More
Herpes simplex viruses — more commonly known as herpes — are categorized into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes).
Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum. Although HSV-2 sores may occur in other locations, these sores usually are found below the waist.
Herpes simplex type 1, which is transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin, can be spread through kissing or sharing objects such as toothbrushes or eating utensils. In general, a person can only get herpes type 2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. It is important to know that both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be spread even if sores are not present.
Pregnant women with genital herpes should talk to their doctor, as genital herpes can be passed on to the baby during childbirth.
For many people with the herpes virus, which can go through periods of being dormant, attacks (or outbreaks) can be brought on by the following conditions:
- General illness (from mild illnesses to serious conditions)
- Fatigue
- Physical or emotional stress
- Immunosuppression due to AIDS or such medications as chemotherapy or steroids
- Trauma to the affected area, including sexual activity
- Menstruation
Symptoms of herpes simplex virus typically appear as a blister or as multiple blisters on or around affected areas — usually the mouth, genitals, or rectum.
The blisters break, leaving tender sores.
Often, the appearance of herpes simplex virus is typical and no testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis. If a health care provider is uncertain, herpes simplex can be diagnosed with lab tests, including DNA — or PCR — tests and virus cultures.
Although there is no cure for herpes, treatments can relieve the symptoms. Medication can decrease the pain related to an outbreak and can shorten healing time. They can also decrease the total number of outbreaks. Drugs including Famvir, Zovirax, and Valtrex are among the drugs used to treat the symptoms of herpes. Warm baths may relieve the pain associated with genital sores.
Some people experience very mild genital herpes symptoms or no symptoms at all. Frequently, people infected with the virus don’t even know they have it. However, when it causes symptoms, it can be described as extremely painful. This is especially true for the first outbreak, which is often the worst. Outbreaks are described as aches or pains in or around the genital area or burning, pain, or difficulty urinating.
Some people experience discharge from the vagina or penis.
Oral herpes lesions (cold sores) usually cause tingling and burning just prior to the breakout of the blisters. The blisters themselves can also be painful.
There is no cure for herpes simplex. Once a person has the virus, it remains in the body. The virus lies inactive in the nerve cells until something triggers it to become active again.
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Herpes simplex – symptoms and diagnosis, prices for the treatment of herpes simplex in Moscow at the Hadassah clinic
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Herpes simplex (herpes virus type 1,2) is an infectious disease that manifests itself mainly in the appearance of blisters on the skin or mucous membranes.
Symptoms occur mainly in the lips, eyelids or genitals. Herpes affects more women than men. Herpes simplex type 1 is the main cause of
blisters characteristic of this disease in the area of the lips. Herpes simplex type 2 blisters appear mainly in the genital area. The disease of herpes simplex most often does not lead to death. It can be life-threatening for infants (if the virus enters the brain and causes encephalitis) and for patients with weakened immune systems.
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Herpes infection symptoms
HSV-1 appears as clear and fluid-filled blisters. Herpes simplex virus type 1 rarely causes pimples on the genitals – mostly on the face. When initially infected with the virus, acne appears only in about 10% of patients 2-20 days after contact with an infectious person. There may be several wounds or one. Before the appearance of acne, there are such precursors as itching and burning of the skin.
A pimple may burst when struck or scratched and release fluid.
After the wound heals, a crust remains on it, which dries up and leaves. The duration until recovery is about 10 days. At the end of the recovery, the skin usually recovers completely.
Even after the initial wound has healed, the virus remains in the body. It penetrates the nerve cells and remains in them in an inactive state until the right conditions arise. Any “awakening” can cause bubbles to appear in or near the same spot.
Primary infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 usually presents with blisters on the surface of the genitals, buttocks, or cervix 2 to 20 days after exposure to a carrier of the virus. Herpes simplex virus type 2 can cause symptoms to appear elsewhere, but it usually attacks below the waist. A second outbreak of the virus can cause the symptoms of a herpes infection, such as itching, painful pimples, fever, muscle pain, and burning when urinating.
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Zhukova
Daria Grigoryevna
Allergist-immunologist, Ph.
D.
Work experience: 14 years
Cost of admission: from 9000 ₽
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Zaitseva
Galina Valerievna
Allergist-immunologist
Work experience: 10 years
Admission fee: from 6500 ₽
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Causes of herpes simplex
The herpes virus is transmitted by direct contact of infected skin with the skin of a healthy person, in the mouth or genital area. The penetration of the virus is possible only through a skin defect (wound or scratch), mainly in the area of the penis and vulva, rectum and cervix.
Most cases of herpes simplex type 1 infection occur in childhood through close contact with peers or family members who carry the virus. The infection can be transmitted with a kiss, through ordinary cutlery or lipstick.
Herpes type 2 infection usually occurs through sexual contact with a carrier of the virus.
The virus is present in 20% of sexually active people. As far as we know, this form of infectious disease (genital herpes type 2) cannot be contracted through contact with objects such as a toilet seat, toilet paper or towel. This is because the herpes virus is very sensitive to environmental conditions and does not survive outside the body.
Among the predisposing factors activating the “dormant” virus in the body are:
- colds;
- fever;
- prolonged sun exposure;
- menstrual cycle;
- severe emotional stress;
- injury to the skin or mucosa.
With both types of herpes simplex, the recurrence rate can vary. Pimples can spread to different parts of the body due to constant scratching.
Methods for the diagnosis of herpes virus 1.2 type
Herpes is relatively easy to diagnose. Usually, the diagnosis of herpes type 1.2 is necessary for patients suffering from impaired immune function, those undergoing chemotherapy and patients with AIDS.
The following diagnostic measures are recommended:
Laboratory tests
include microscopic and other tests of blood or fluid from the pimple to detect antibodies against the virus; some tests are valid only in the initial stages of the disease
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Treatments for herpes simplex
Existing technologies do not allow to clear the hereditary material of the virus from the DNA of nerve cells, and the displacement of the ganglia will cause much more acute side effects (for example, paralysis of the lips). That is why today the disease is incurable.
Treatment for herpes simplex is directed at controlling the symptoms and preventing complications. Antiviral drugs used to treat rashes are prescribed (Acyclovir, Gerpevir, etc.)
After stopping the acute process, a herpes vaccine is recommended, which allows achieving a stable remission.
Among the physiotherapeutic methods of treatment, infrared and UV radiation, OCU therapy and laser therapy should be distinguished.
Treatment of herpes simplex in Hadassah clinic
For the treatment of herpes types 1 and 2, please contact the Hadassah clinic in Moscow. We have doctors with extensive practical experience, we have modern equipment that simplifies the diagnosis.
Text checked by an expert doctor
Zhukova
Daria Grigorievna
Allergist-immunologist, Ph.D.
Work experience: 14 years
Published: 06/29/2022
Updated: 06/29/2022
The information presented on the site is for reference only and cannot serve as a basis for making a diagnosis or prescribing treatment. Internal consultation of the expert is necessary.
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