|
Type of
infection: |
Viral |
|
Infectious Organism: |
Herpes simplex virus Type 2
(genital) and Type 1 (oral).
|
|
Location in the body: |
Genital
skin/nerves.
Mouth.
|
|
Symptoms: |
Usually
none (a person can have it and not know it).
Some have painful
blisters/sores on genital area.
|
|
Method
of spread: |
Skin
to skin usually through sexual activity (oral, anal, vaginal); you
can get it from someone who does not have sores/blisters
HSV-1 is spread to
the genital area by oral sex.
|
|
Consequences: |
Infected for entire life.
People infected with herpes
have the virus in their genital area even if sores are not present and
can pass it on to others during all types of sex.
Some have blisters/sores
that keep coming back several times a year.
Can be spread to a
baby during pregnancy or childbirth causing serious health problems.
|
|
Number
of new cases per year: |
1,000,000 in U.S. |
|
Total
number infected now: |
45,000,000 in U.S. |
|
Tests
to see if you have it: |
Pelvic
exam.
Culture of blisters/sores if
present.
Blood test (usually not
done).
|
|
Treatment: |
None
available to get rid of the virus (no cure) but medicines can help
healing and decrease number of outbreaks each year.
|
