What is herpes infection?

Herpes infection is caused due to the virus called herpes simplex (HSV). This virus affects the various parts of the body such as skin, mucosal surfaces, external genitalia, and anal region. It is a long term condition and some people may not have symptoms even though they are carrying the virus.

What are the symptoms of herpes infection?

Some of the symptoms include:

• Pain & itching
• Tender and enlarged lymph nodes
• Vaginal discharge
• Pin during urination
• High fever
• Feeling unwell
• Cold sores around the mouth
• Blisters on the skin
• Blisters and ulceration on external genitalia

What are the types of herpes infection?

There are two types of herpes simplex virus that can cause herpes infections.

• HSV-1 - cold sores and fever blisters occur around the mouth. It can spread through skin to skin contact. Recurrence of infection is less frequent than HSV-2.
• HSV-2 - this type of virus causes genital herpes. It can spread through sexual contact or skin to skin contact. It is the common type of virus and highly contagious.

Who are at risk of developing herpes infection?

Regardless of age, anyone can be infected with herpes infection. The risk of developing an infection is based on exposure. Some of the risk factors of HSV infection are:

• Practicing unprotected sex
• Multiple sex partners
• Sex at a younger age
• Having another sexually transmitted infection
• Weak immune system
• Infected pregnant women can carry the infection the baby 

Who can treat herpes infection?

Well trained and qualified Venereologists can treat herpes infection. Venerlogists mainly deals with the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in which herpes infection is one among them. Based on the type of herpes virus, the treatment will be planned. 

How is herpes infection diagnosed?

Generally herpes virus can be diagnosed through the physical examination. The doctor will check for the sores and other symptoms. Then, he/she may suggest a herpes culture test in which a sample of fluid from the sore can be sent to a laboratory for testing. This will confirm the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus.

How can one prevent the spread of herpes infection?

There are a few of the safety measures to prevent transmitting HSV infection from one person to another person. For an outbreak of HSV 1 following steps should be taken:

• Avoid direct physical contact
• Do not involve oral sex or kissing
• Don’t share any things that can pass the virus around such as towels, cups, clothing, silverware, and makeup materials, etc
• Wash the hands properly and apply medication using cotton swabs to minimize contact with sores

People with infected HSV 2 should avoid any type of sexual activity during an outbreak. Pregnant infected women may have to take the necessary medications to prevent infecting the virus to unborn babies.