Herpes simplex

HERPES SIMPLEX

BY PN WAN

INTRODUCTION

• The herpes simplex virus is categorized into 2 types: herpes
simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2
(HSV-2).

• HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause
oral herpes (which can include symptoms known as “cold
sores”), but can also cause genital herpes.

• HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital
herpes.

• Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are lifelong.

CONT

• An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1
infection globally.

• An estimated 491 million people aged 15-49 (13%) worldwide have
HSV-2 infection.

• Most oral and genital herpes infections are asymptomatic.

• Symptoms of herpes include painful blisters or ulcers at the site of
infection.

• Herpes infections are most contagious when symptoms are present
but can still be transmitted to others in the absence of symptoms.

• Infection with HSV-2 increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting
HIV infection.

WHAT CAUSES HERPES SIMPLEX?

• The herpes simplex virus is a contagious virus that can be
transmitted from person to person through direct contact.

HSV-1

• HSV-1 can be contracted from general interactions such as:
eating from the same utensils
sharing lip balm
Kissing

• The virus spreads more quickly during an outbreak.
• possible to get genital herpes from HSV-1 if someone who

performed oral sex had cold sores during that time.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1)

HSV-2

• HSV-2 is contracted through forms of sexual contact with a
person who has HSV-2.

• HSV-2 infections are spread through contact with a herpes
sore.

• In contrast, most people get HSV-1 from a person with an
infection who is asymptomatic, or does not have sores.

Herpes Simplex Type 2 Virus

WHO IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING
HERPES SIMPLEX INFECTIONS?

• Anyone can contract HSV, regardless of age. Your risk is
based almost entirely on exposure to the infection.

• In cases of sexually transmitted HSV, people are more at risk
when they have sex not protected by condoms or other
barrier methods.

• Other risk factors for HSV-2 include:

1. having multiple sex partners

2. having sex at a younger age

3. being female

CONT

4. having another sexually transmitted infection (STI)
5. having a weakened immune system

• If a pregnant woman is having an outbreak of genital
herpes at the time of childbirth, it can expose the baby to
both types of HSV, and may put them at risk for serious
complications.

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF
HERPES SIMPLEX

• Some of the symptoms associated with this virus include:

1. blistering sores (in the mouth or on the genitals)
2. pain during urination (genital herpes)
3. itching

SIGNS & SYMPTOM

• You may also experience symptoms that are similar to the
flu. These symptoms can include:

1. fever
2. swollen lymph nodes
3. headaches
4. tiredness
5. lack of appetite

HSV can also spread to the eyes, causing a condition called
herpes keratitis. This can cause symptoms such as eye pain,
discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye.

HOW IS HERPES SIMPLEX
DIAGNOSED?

1. physical exam.

2. HSV testing (herpes culture). doctor will take a swab
sample of fluid from the sore and then send it to a
laboratory for testing.

3. Blood tests for antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 .This is
especially helpful when there are no sores present.

HOW IS HERPES SIMPLEX TREATED?

• There is currently no cure for this virus.
• doctor may determine the following medications:
1. acyclovir
2. famciclovir
3. Valacyclovir

• reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
• help to lower the intensity and frequency of outbreaks.
• may come in oral (pill) form, or may be applied as a cream.
• For severe outbreaks, may also be administered by injection.





PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF HERPES
SIMPLEX INFECTIONS

1. Try to avoid direct physical contact with other people.

2. Don’t share any items that can pass the virus around, such
as cups, towels, clothing, makeup, or lip balm.

3. Don’t participate in oral sex, kissing, or any other type of
sexual activity during an outbreak.

4. Wash hands thoroughly and apply medication with cotton
swabs to reduce contact with sores.

5. Women who are pregnant and have an infection may
have to take medication to prevent the virus from
infecting their unborn babies.

GENITAL HERPES

WHAT IS GENITAL HERPES?

• Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• This STI causes herpetic sores, which are painful blisters (fluid-

filled bumps) that can break open and ooze fluid.

CAUSES OF GENITAL HERPES

1. HSV-1. This type usually causes cold sores, but it can also
cause genital herpes.

2. HSV-2. This type usually causes genital herpes, but it can
also cause cold sores.

The viruses enter the body through skin abrasions or mucous
membranes. They can be found in your nose, mouth, and
genitals.

Once the viruses are inside, they incorporate themselves
into your cells. Viruses tend to multiply or adapt to their
environments very easily, which makes treating them
difficult.

RECOGNIZING THE SYMPTOMS OF
GENITAL HERPES

• The appearance of blisters is known as an outbreak.
• it can take as little as 2 days, or as much as 12 days or more, to

appear.
• General symptoms for those with a penis include blisters on the:

1. penis

2. scrotum

3. buttocks (near or around the anus)
• General symptoms for those with a vagina include blisters around or

near the:

1. vagina

2. anus

3. buttocks



GENERAL S&S

1. Blisters may appear in the mouth and on the lips, face,
and anywhere else often starts to itch, or tingle, before
blisters actually appear.

2. The blisters may become ulcerated (open sores) and ooze
fluid.

3. A crust may appear over the sores within a week of the
outbreak.

4. lymph glands may become swollen.

5. headaches, body aches, and fever.

6. General symptoms for a baby born with herpes
(contracted through a vaginal delivery) may include
ulcers on the face, body, and genitals.

BABIES

• Babies who are born with genital herpes can develop very
severe complications and experience:

1. blindness
2. brain damage
3. death

PREVENTION OF HSV INFECTIONS

1. -advise patient on the use of barrier contraceptives
2. -the knowledge that shedding of virus.
3. -Sex should be abstained when there are recognisable

recurrences.
4. -The use of condom reduces but does not eliminate the

risk of infection
5. -women with recurrent genital herpetic lesions at the

onset of labour deliver by caesarean section to prevent
neonatal herpes.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HPV
AND HERPES?

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes are both common
viruses that can be transmitted sexually.

• Herpes and HPV have many similarities, meaning some
people might be unsure which one they have.

SYMPTOMS OF HPV

1. single growths
2. a cluster of growths
3. growths that have a cauliflower-like appearance
4. genital warts can also cause warts in the mouth and

throat. This is called oral HPV.

SYMPTOMS OF HERPES

• oral herpes. Symptoms include:
1. flu-like symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes and

headache
2. redness, swelling, pain, or itching where the infection will

erupt
3. painful, fluid-filled blisters on the lips or under the nose
4. cold sores of fever blisters on or around the mouth

GENITAL HERPES.

• Symptoms of genital herpes include:

1. flu-like symptoms, including swollen glands, fever, chills,
and headache

2. a burning or tingling sensation where the infection will
erupt

3. pain and itching around the genital area

4. red bumps or other blisters, which may ooze, in the genital
area

5. leg or lower back pain

6. painful burning urination

COMPARING HPV AND HERPES SIMPLEX

HPV Herpes

Symptoms Warts are the most common Herpes can also have no
symptom. However, HPV often symptoms, but is usually marked
presents with no symptoms at all. by oozing sores or blisters, or
itching or pain shortly after
infection.

HPV tests exist and are sometimes A physical exam is often done if

Diagnostic tools used during a Pap test. Otherwise, lesions are present. Sometimes

visual examination of warts can samples are taken with a swab to

diagnose some cases diagnose with viral cultures.

Treatment options The virus itself can’t be cured, but The virus itself can’t be cured, but
drugs can be prescribed for antiviral drugs can treat
warts. Warts may also be symptoms or reduce outbreaks.
removed if necessary. HPV noted
on a Pap test will be managed
differently.

Prevention There’s no way to entirely Practicing safe sex for not only
eliminate your risk, but practicing vaginal or anal sex, but also oral
safe sex and getting routine sex, can help prevent herpes.
screenings, especially for cervical
cancer, can help significantly.

TREATING THE SYMPTOMS OF HPV

• Most cases of HPV don’t require any treatment. The virus will
go away on its own in many people.

• medications are used to help lessen the effects of the warts.
These include:

1. imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara)
2. podofilox (Condylox)
3. sinecatechins (Veregen)