Incubation period herpes simplex. Detailed STD Facts – Genital Herpes: Incubation Period and Prevalence

22.07.202319.07.2023 by alexxlab

What is genital herpes? How common is genital herpes? How do people get genital herpes? What are the symptoms of genital herpes? What are the complications of genital herpes?

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What is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).

How Common is Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes infection is common in the United States. The CDC estimated that there were 572,000 new genital herpes infections in the United States in a single year. Nationwide, 11.9% of persons aged 14 to 49 years have HSV-2 infection (12.1% when adjusted for age). However, the prevalence of genital herpes infection is higher than that because an increasing number of genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-1. Oral HSV-1 infection is typically acquired in childhood, and as the prevalence of oral HSV-1 infection has declined in recent decades, people may have become more susceptible to contracting a genital herpes infection from HSV-1.

HSV-2 infection is more common among women than among men; the percentages of those infected during 2015-2016 were 15.9% versus 8.2% respectively, among 14 to 49 year olds. This is possibly because genital infection is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men during penile-vaginal sex. HSV-2 infection is also more common among non-Hispanic blacks (34.6%) than among non-Hispanic whites (8.1%). These disparities exist even among persons with similar numbers of lifetime sexual partners.

Most infected persons may be unaware of their infection; in the United States, an estimated 87.4% of 14 to 49 year olds infected with HSV-2 have never received a clinical diagnosis. The age-adjusted percentage of persons in the United States infected with HSV-2 decreased from 18.0% in 1999â€“2000 to 12.1% in 2015-2016.

How Do People Get Genital Herpes?

Infections are transmitted through contact with HSV in herpes lesions, mucosal surfaces, genital secretions, or oral secretions. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be shed from normal-appearing oral or genital mucosa or skin. Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during genital contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. However, receiving oral sex from a person with an oral HSV-1 infection can result in getting a genital HSV-1 infection.

Transmission commonly occurs from contact with an infected partner who does not have visible lesions and who may not know that he or she is infected. In persons with asymptomatic HSV-2 infections, genital HSV shedding occurs on 10.2% of days, compared to 20.1% of days among those with symptomatic infections.

What are the Symptoms of Genital Herpes?

Most individuals infected with HSV are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are mistaken for another skin condition. When symptoms do occur, herpes lesions typically appear as one or more vesicles, or small blisters, on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 4 days (range, 2 to 12) after exposure. The vesicles break and leave painful ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal after the initial herpes infection.

The first outbreak of herpes is often associated with a longer duration of herpetic lesions, increased viral shedding (making HSV transmission more likely) and systemic symptoms including fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, or headache. Recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes are common, and many patients who recognize recurrences have prodromal symptoms, either localized genital pain, or tingling or shooting pains in the legs, hips or buttocks, which occur hours to days before the eruption of herpetic lesions. Symptoms of recurrent outbreaks are typically shorter in duration and less severe than the first outbreak of genital herpes. Long-term studies have indicated that the number of symptomatic recurrent outbreaks may decrease over time. Recurrences and subclinical shedding are much less frequent for genital HSV-1 infection than for genital HSV-2 infection.

What are the Complications of Genital Herpes?

Genital herpes may cause painful genital ulcers that can be severe and persistent in persons with suppressed immune systems, such as HIV-infected persons. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can also cause rare but serious complications such as aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the linings of the brain). Development of extragenital lesions (e.g. buttocks, groin, thigh, finger, or eye) may occur during the course of infection.

Some persons who contract genital herpes have concerns about how it will impact their overall health, sex life, and relationships. There can also be considerable embarrassment, shame, and stigma associated with genital herpes.

Incubation Period of Genital Herpes

The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 4 days (range, 2 to 12) after exposure.

Prevalence of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes infection is common in the United States, with an estimated 572,000 new infections per year. Nationwide, 11.9% of persons aged 14 to 49 years have HSV-2 infection, but the prevalence is higher when accounting for genital HSV-1 infections as well.

Detailed STD Facts – Genital Herpes

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2).

How common is genital herpes?

Genital herpes infection is common in the United States. CDC estimated that there were 572,000 new genital herpes infections in the United States in a single year.¹ Nationwide, 11.9 % of persons aged 14 to 49 years have HSV-2 infection (12.1% when adjusted for age).² However, the prevalence of genital herpes infection is higher than that because an increasing number of genital herpes infections are caused by HSV-1. ³ Oral HSV-1 infection is typically acquired in childhood; because the prevalence of oral HSV-1 infection has declined in recent decades, people may have become more susceptible to contracting a genital herpes infection from HSV-1. ⁴

HSV-2 infection is more common among women than among men; the percentages of those infected during 2015-2016 were 15. 9% versus 8.2% respectively, among 14 to 49 year olds. ² This is possibly because genital infection is more easily transmitted from men to women than from women to men during penile-vaginal sex. ⁵ HSV-2 infection is more common among non-Hispanic blacks (34.6%) than among non-Hispanic whites (8.1%). ² A previous analysis found that these disparities, exist even among persons with similar numbers of lifetime sexual partners. Most infected persons may be unaware of their infection; in the United States, an estimated 87.4% of 14 to 49 year olds infected with HSV-2 have never received a clinical diagnosis. ⁶

The age-adjusted percentage of persons in the United States infected with HSV-2 decreased from 18.0% in 1999–2000 to 12.1% in 2015-2016. ²

How do people get genital herpes?

Infections are transmitted through contact with HSV in herpes lesions, mucosal surfaces, genital secretions, or oral secretions. ⁵ HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be shed from normal-appearing oral or genital mucosa or skin. ⁷^,8 Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during genital contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. However, receiving oral sex from a person with an oral HSV-1 infection can result in getting a genital HSV-1 infection. ⁴ Transmission commonly occurs from contact with an infected partner who does not have visible lesions and who may not know that he or she is infected. ⁷ In persons with asymptomatic HSV-2 infections, genital HSV shedding occurs on 10.2% of days, compared to 20.1% of days among those with symptomatic infections. ⁸

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Most individuals infected with HSV are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are mistaken for another skin condition. ⁹ When symptoms do occur, herpes lesions typically appear as one or more vesicles, or small blisters, on or around the genitals, rectum or mouth. The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 4 days (range, 2 to 12) after exposure. ¹⁰ The vesicles break and leave painful ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal after the initial herpes infection. ^5,10 Experiencing these symptoms is referred to as having a first herpes “outbreak” or episode.

Clinical manifestations of genital herpes differ between the first and recurrent (i.e., subsequent) outbreaks. The first outbreak of herpes is often associated with a longer duration of herpetic lesions, increased viral shedding (making HSV transmission more likely) and systemic symptoms including fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, or headache. ⁵^,10 Recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes are common, and many patients who recognize recurrences have prodromal symptoms, either localized genital pain, or tingling or shooting pains in the legs, hips or buttocks, which occur hours to days before the eruption of herpetic lesions. ⁵ Symptoms of recurrent outbreaks are typically shorter in duration and less severe than the first outbreak of genital herpes. ⁵ Long-term studies have indicated that the number of symptomatic recurrent outbreaks may decrease over time. ⁵ Recurrences and subclinical shedding are much less frequent for genital HSV-1 infection than for genital HSV-2 infection.⁵

What are the complications of genital herpes?

Genital herpes may cause painful genital ulcers that can be severe and persistent in persons with suppressed immune systems, such as HIV-infected persons. ⁵ Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can also cause rare but serious complications such as aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the linings of the brain). ⁵ Development of extragenital lesions (e.g. buttocks, groin, thigh, finger, or eye) may occur during the course of infection. ⁵

Some persons who contract genital herpes have concerns about how it will impact their overall health, sex life, and relationships. ^5,¹¹ There can also be considerable embarrassment, shame, and stigma associated with a herpes diagnosis that can substantially interfere with a patient’s relationships. ¹⁰ Clinicians can address these concerns by encouraging patients to recognize that while herpes is not curable, it is a manageable condition. ⁵ Three important steps that providers can take for their newly-diagnosed patients are: giving information, providing support resources, and helping define treatment and prevention options. ¹² Patients can be counseled that risk of genital herpes transmission can be reduced, but not eliminated, by disclosure of infection to sexual partners, ⁵ avoiding sex during a recurrent outbreak, ⁵ use of suppressive antiviral therapy, ^5,¹⁰ and consistent condom use. ⁷Since a diagnosis of genital herpes may affect perceptions about existing or future sexual relationships, it is important for patients to understand how to talk to sexual partners about STDs. One resource can be found here: www.gytnow.org/talking-to-your-partner

There are also potential complications for a pregnant woman and her newborn child. See “How does herpes infection affect a pregnant woman and her baby?” below for information about this.

What is the link between genital herpes and HIV?

Genital ulcerative disease caused by herpes makes it easier to transmit and acquire HIV infection sexually. There is an estimated 2- to 4-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV, if individuals with genital herpes infection are genitally exposed to HIV. ^13-15 Ulcers or breaks in the skin or mucous membranes (lining of the mouth, vagina, and rectum) from a herpes infection may compromise the protection normally provided by the skin and mucous membranes against infections, including HIV. ¹⁴ In addition, having genital herpes increases the number of CD4 cells (the target cell for HIV entry) in the genital mucosa. In persons with both HIV and genital herpes, local activation of HIV replication at the site of genital herpes infection can increase the risk that HIV will be transmitted during contact with the mouth, vagina, or rectum of an HIV-uninfected sex partner. ¹⁴

How does genital herpes affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

Neonatal herpes is one of the most serious complications of genital herpes.^5,¹⁶ Healthcare providers should ask all pregnant women if they have a history of genital herpes.¹¹ Herpes infection can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, or babies may be infected shortly after birth, resulting in a potentially fatal neonatal herpes infection. ¹⁷ Infants born to women who acquire genital herpes close to the time of delivery and are shedding virus at delivery are at a much higher risk for developing neonatal herpes, compared with women who have recurrent genital herpes . ^16,^18-20 Thus, it is important that women avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy. Women should be counseled to abstain from intercourse during the third trimester with partners known to have or suspected of having genital herpes. ^5,¹¹

While women with genital herpes may be offered antiviral medication late in pregnancy through delivery to reduce the risk of a recurrent herpes outbreak, third trimester antiviral prophylaxis has not been shown to decrease the risk of herpes transmission to the neonate. ^11,^21,²² Routine serologic HSV screening of pregnant women is not recommended. ¹¹ However, at onset of labor, all women should undergo careful examination and questioning to evaluate for presence of prodromal symptoms or herpetic lesions. ¹¹ If herpes symptoms are present a cesarean delivery is recommended to prevent HSV transmission to the infant.^5,^11,²³ There are detailed guidelines for how to manage asymptomatic infants born to women with active genital herpes lesions.²⁴

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

HSV nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) are the most sensitive and highly specific tests available for diagnosing herpes. However, in some settings viral culture is the only test available. The sensitivity of viral culture can be low, especially among people who have recurrent or healing lesions. Because viral shedding is intermittent, it is possible for someone to have a genital herpes infection even though it was not detected by NAAT or culture. ¹¹

Type-specific virologic tests can be used for diagnosing genital herpes when a person has recurrent symptoms or lesion without a confirmatory NAAT, culture result, or has a partner with genital herpes. Both virologic tests and type-specific serologic tests should be available in clinical settings serving patients with, or at risk for, sexually transmitted infections. ¹¹

Given performance limitations with commercially available type-specific serologic tests (especially with low index value results [<3]), a confirmatory test (Biokit or Western Blot) with a second method should be performed before test interpretation. If confirmatory tests are unavailable, patients should be counseled about the limitations of available testing before serologic testing. Healthcare providers should also be aware that false-positive results occur. In instances of suspected recent acquisition, serologic testing within 12 weeks after acquisition may be associated with false negative test results. ¹¹

HSV-1 serologic testing does not distinguish between oral and genital infection, and typically should not be performed for diagnosing genital HSV-1 infection. Diagnosis of genital HSV-1 infection is confirmed by virologic tests from lesions. ¹¹

CDC does not recommend screening for HSV-1 or HSV-2 in the general population due to limitations of the type specific serologic testing. ¹¹ Several scenarios where type-specific serologic HSV tests may be useful include:

Patients with recurrent genital symptoms or atypical symptoms and negative HSV NAAT or culture;
Patients with a clinical diagnosis of genital herpes but no laboratory confirmation; and
Patients who report having a partner with genital herpes. ¹¹

Patients who are at higher risk of infection (e.g., presenting for an STI evaluation, especially those with multiple sex partners), and people with HIV might need to be assessed for a history of genital herpes symptoms, followed by serology testing in those with genital symptoms. ¹¹

Providers are strongly encouraged to look at CDC’s STI Treatment Guidelines for further diagnostic considerations.

Is there a cure or treatment for herpes?

There is no cure for herpes. Antiviral medications can, however, prevent or shorten outbreaks during the period of time the person takes the medication.¹¹ In addition, daily suppressive therapy (i.e., daily use of antiviral medication) for herpes can reduce the likelihood of transmission to partners.¹¹

There is currently no commercially available vaccine that is protective against genital herpes infection. Candidate vaccines are in clinical trials.

How can herpes be prevented?

Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of transmitting or acquiring genital herpes because herpes virus shedding can occur in areas that are not covered by a condom.^25,²⁶

The surest way to avoid transmission of STDs, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for STDs and is known to be uninfected.

Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with partners when herpes lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms, he or she can still infect sex partners. Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected and they should use condoms to reduce the risk. Sex partners can seek testing to determine if they are infected with HSV.

Daily treatment with valacyclovir decreases the rate of HSV-2 transmission in discordant, heterosexual couples in which the source partner has a history of genital HSV-2 infection. ²⁷ Such couples should be encouraged to consider suppressive antiviral therapy as part of a strategy to prevent transmission, in addition to consistent condom use and avoidance of sexual activity during recurrences.

Counseling those with genital herpes, as well as their sex partners, is critical. It can help patients cope with the infection and prevent further spread into the community. The STI Treatment Guidelines includes messaging broken down by herpes type. ¹¹

Sources:

1. Kreisel KM, Spicknall IH, Gargano JW, Lewis FM, Lewis RM, Markowitz LE, Roberts H, Satcher Johnson A, Song R, St. Cyr SB, Weston EJ, Torrone EA, Weinstock HS. Sexually transmitted infections among US women and men: Prevalence and incidence estimates, 2018. Sex Transm Dis 2021; in press.

2. McQuillan G, Kruszon-Moran D, Flagg EW, Paulose-Ram R. Prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in persons aged 14–49: United States, 2015–2016. NCHS Data Brief, no 304. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2018

3. Xu F, Sternberg MR, Kottiri BJ, et al. Trends in herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 seroprevalence in the United States. JAMA, 2006. 296(8): 964–73.

4. Bradley H, Markowitz L, Gibson T, et al. Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2—United States, 1999–2010. J Infect Dis, 2014. 209(3):325-33.

5. Corey L, Wald A. Genital Herpes. In: Holmes KK, Sparling PF, Stamm WE, et al. (editors). Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2008: 399–437.

6. Fanfair RN, Zaidi A, Taylor LD, Xu F, Gottlieb S, Markowitz L. Trends in seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 among non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites aged 14 to 49 years–United States, 1988 to 2010. Sex Transm Dis, 2013. 40(11):860-4.

7. Mertz GJ. Asymptomatic shedding of herpes simplex virus 1 and 2: implications for prevention of transmission. J Infect Dis, 2008. 198(8): 1098–1100.

8. Tronstein E, Johnston C, Huang M, et al. Genital shedding of herpes simplex virus among symptomatic and asymptomatic persons with HSV-2 infection. JAMA, 2011. 305(14): 1441–9.

9. Wald A, Zeh J, Selke S, et al. Reactivation of genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in asymptomatic seropositive persons. New Engl J Med, 2000. 342(12): 844–50.

10. Kimberlin DW, Rouse DJ. Genital Herpes. N Engl J Med, 2004. 350(19): 1970–7.

11. Workowski, KA, Bachmann, LH, Chang, PA, et. al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021; 70(No. 4): 1-187.

12. Alexander L, Naisbett B. Patient and physician partnerships in managing genital herpes. J Infect Dis, 2002. 186(Suppl 1): S57–S65.

13. Freeman EE, Weiss HA, Glynn JR, Cross PL, Whitworth JA, Hayes RJ. Herpes simplex virus 2 infection increases HIV acquisition in men and women: systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. AIDS, 2006. 20(1): 73–83.

14. Barnabas RV, Celum C. Infectious co-factors in HIV-1 transmission. Herpes simplex virus type-2 and HIV-1: new insights and interventions. Curr HIV Res, 2012. 10(3): 228–37

15. Corey L, Wald A, Celum CL, Quinn TC. The effects of herpes simplex virus-2 on HIV-1 acquisition and transmission: a review of two overlapping epidemics. JAIDS, 2004. 35(5): 435–45.

16. Brown ZA, Selke S, Zeh J, et al. The acquisition of herpes simplex virus during pregnancy. N Engl J Med, 1997. 337(8): 509–15.

17. Kimberlin DW. Herpes simplex virus infections in the newborn. Semin Perinatol, 2007. 31(2): 19–25.

18. Brown ZA, Wald A, Morrow RA, Selke S, Zeh J, Corey L. Effect of serologic status and cesarean delivery on transmission rates of herpes simplex virus from mother to infant. JAMA, 2003. 289(2):203–9

19. Brown ZA, Benedetti J, Ashley R, et al. Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection in relation to asymptomatic maternal infection at the time of labor. N Engl J Med, 1991. 324(18):1247–52

20. Brown ZA, Vontver LA, Benedetti J, et al. Effects on infants of a first episode of genital herpes during pregnancy. N Engl J Med, 1987. 317(20):1246–51

21. Hollier LM, Wendel GD. Third trimester antiviral prophylaxis for preventing maternal genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) recurrences and neonatal infection. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2008. Issue 1: Art. No. CD004946.

22. Pinninti SG, Angara R, Feja KN, et al. Neonatal herpes disease following maternal antenatal antiviral suppressive therapy: a multicenter case series. J Pediatr, 2012. 161(1):134-8.

23. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). ACOG Practice Bulletin. Clinical management guidelines for obstetrician-gynecologists. No. 82 June 2007. Management of herpes in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol, 2007. 109(6): 1489–98.

24. Kimberlin DW, Balely J, Committee on Infectious Diseases, Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Guidance on management of asymptomatic neonates born to women with active genital herpes lesions. Pediatrics, 2013. 131(2):e635-46.

25. Martin ET, Krantz A, Gottlieb SL, et al. A pooled analysis of the effect of condoms in preventing HSV-2 acquisition. Arch Intern Med, 2009. 169(13): 1233–40.

26. Wald A, Langenberg AGM, Link K, et al. Effect of condoms on reducing the transmission of herpes simplex virus type 2 from men to women. JAMA, 2001. 285(24): 3100–6.

27. Corey L, Wald A, Patel R, et al. Once-daily valacyclovir to reduce the risk of transmission of genital herpes. N Engl J Med, 2004. 350:11–20.

Herpes Incubation Period: Your HSV Questions Answered

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Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph. D. — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on October 13, 2018

Overview

Herpes is a disease caused by two types of the herpes simplex virus (HSV):

HSV-1 is generally responsible for cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth and on the face. Often referred to as oral herpes, it’s usually contracted by kissing, sharing lip balm, and sharing eating utensils. It can also cause genital herpes.
HSV-2, or genital herpes, causes blistering sores on the genitals. It’s usually contracted through sexual contact and can also infect the mouth.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 have an incubation period between transmission of the disease and appearance of symptoms.

Once you’ve contracted HSV, there will be an incubation period — the time it takes from contracting the virus until the first symptom appears.

The incubation period for HSV-1 and HSV-2 is the same: 2 to 12 days. For most people, the symptoms begin to show up in about 3 to 6 days.

However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of people who contract HSV have such mild symptoms that they either go unnoticed or are mistakenly identified as a different skin condition. Bearing that in mind, herpes could go undetected for years.

HSV typically alternates between a latent stage — or a dormancy period in which there are few symptoms — and an outbreak stage. In the latter, the primary symptoms are easily identified. The average is two to four outbreaks a year, but some people can go years without an outbreak.

Once a person has contracted HSV, they can transmit the virus even during dormant periods when there are no visible sores or other symptoms. The risk of transmitting the virus when it’s dormant is less. But it’s still a risk, even for people who are receiving treatment for HSV.

The chances are low that a person can transmit HSV to someone else within the first few days following their initial contact with the virus. But because of HSV dormancy, among other reasons, not many people can pinpoint the moment they contracted the virus.

Transmission is common from contact with a partner who might not know they have HSV and isn’t showing symptoms of infection.

There is no cure for herpes. Once you’ve contracted HSV, it stays in your system and you can transmit it to others, even during periods of dormancy.

You can talk to your doctor about medications that can lower your chances of transmitting the virus, but physical protection, although not perfect, is the most reliable option. This includes avoiding contact if you’re experiencing an outbreak and using condoms and dental dams during oral, anal, and vaginal sex.

Last medically reviewed on June 12, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Genital herpes – CDC fact sheet (detailed) [Fact sheet].
cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm
Genital herpes. (2018).
hhs.gov/opa/reproductive-health/fact-sheets/sexually-transmitted-diseases/herpes/index.html
Herpes simplex. (n.d.).
medlineplus.gov/herpessimplex.html

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Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on October 13, 2018

What you need to know about herpes? Herpes virus: its types and symptoms

The source of infection is sick people who transmit the virus through shared objects or through direct contact. The causative agent of herpes is also transmitted by airborne droplets and from mother to fetus.

Herpes virus (Herpesviridae) is a DNA-containing virus consisting of three subfamilies – alpha, beta, gamma.

Diseases caused by the herpes virus (Herpesviridae) are divided into:

herpes simplex
genital herpes
Kaposi’s eczema herpetiformis
chicken pox and herpes zoster.

Herpes simplex (lichen lichen, Herpes simplex)

After entering the body, the herpes simplex virus spreads through the lymph and nerve fibers, penetrates into the lymphatic and circulatory systems, internal organs.

Accumulates in the ganglia (aggregation of nerve cells) of the nervous system, where it lives in a dormant state for a long time. After the virus enters the body, antibodies to the causative agent of herpes simplex are formed, which remain at approximately the same level throughout life, regardless of the clinical manifestations of the disease. When activated, the herpes simplex virus (during the acute period of the disease) reproduces its copies, which causes the death of the infected cell.

The first episode of illness usually occurs in childhood after infection. The incubation period lasts from 1-2 days to 2 weeks. Small blisters appear on the skin of the lips or nose. Patients report soreness and itching. The disease can occur in the form of herpetic stomatitis, with fever, headache and malaise, swollen lymph nodes. Grouped bubbles appear on the mucous membrane of the cheeks, the inner surface of the lips, tongue, tonsils, and palate against the background of specific reddening of the skin. Then painful erosions form.

Relapses of herpes simplex virus (HSV) can occur up to several times a year, and there are cases of a continuous course of the disease for several years. Burning, pain, itching are felt before the appearance of a blistering rash on the skin. The size of the bubbles is 1-2 mm, with transparent contents. Over time, the contents of the bubbles become cloudy, they burst with the formation of painful erosions.
In the process of healing, erosions become covered with crusts. When the bacterial flora is attached, the defects heal more slowly, ulcers form.

Herpes simplex virus usually manifests as a rash on the skin of the cheeks, lips, nose, but can occur on the skin of the genitals, buttocks, sacrum, thighs, hands2.

Kaposi’s herpetiform eczema (Exzema hertipetiformis)

Predisposing dermatological background – the presence of eczema, atopic dermatitis and other diseases in which the integrity of the skin is disturbed.

The incubation period lasts up to 7 days. There is a deterioration in well-being, an increase in lymph nodes and an increase in body temperature up to 40 ° C. After a few days, multiple grouped small vesicles appear on the affected areas of the skin. Pustules form. Elements shrink into a brown crust. The mucous membrane of the mouth, genitals, conjunctiva of the eyes may be affected. The disease can be complicated by a bacterial infection, a state of shock. In severe cases, it can lead to the death of the patient.

Genital herpes (Herpes progenitalis)

Herpetic rash occurs on the skin of the genitals and in the anus (anus). The main route of transmission is sexual or orogenital, through contact with a patient with or without symptoms, that is, when carrying the virus. The household route through contaminated common items is also possible. The risk of infection of a child neonatally from a mother when a woman becomes infected closer to childbirth is up to 50%2.

Herpes zoster

At the beginning of the disease, there is pain along the affected nerves, then a rash appears: redness and vesicles with clear and cloudy contents. Bubbles shrink into brown crusts. The disease lasts up to 3 weeks.

In atypical cases, the rash may present with only redness without blisters or large blisters. Sometimes sores are formed, healing with the formation of scars.

Varicella (chickenpox)

The incubation period lasts up to 3 weeks. At the onset of the disease, body temperature rises, headache occurs, and a widespread small-spotted rash appears. Then the spot turns into a knot, on which a bubble appears. Bubbles first appear on the trunk, face, scalp. Bubbles shrink into crusts. In a severe form of the course of the disease, a rash can occur on the skin of the palms and feet. A characteristic feature of the disease is a false variety of forms (polymorphism) – on one part of the body there may be spots, nodules and vesicles, since the rashes appear jerkily.

The mild form of the disease is characterized by an increase in temperature
up to 38.5°C for several days. The rash is not numerous, there are several days.

In the moderate form, the temperature reaches 39.5°C, there are many rashes, the duration is 1 week.

Severe course of the disease lasts up to 10 days with fever above 39. 5°C, seizures, with profuse large rashes. After the resolution of the elements of the rash, a post-inflammatory discoloration of the affected areas (pigmentation) and scars remain.

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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Symptoms of a herpes infection

HSV-1 manifests itself as transparent 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 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 manifests as blisters on the surface of the genitals, buttocks, or cervix 2-20 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.

Doctors of department

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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

Cost of admission: 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.

In most cases, herpes simplex type 1 infection occurs in childhood through close contact with peers or family members who are carriers of 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, it should be noted:

colds;
fever;
prolonged sun exposure;
menstrual cycle;
severe emotional stress;
trauma 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 diagnosing 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 the 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