Symptoms

It is important to understand that someone may not have visible sores or symptoms and still be infected by the virus. They may also transmit the virus to others.

Some of the symptoms associated with this virus include:

• blistering sores (in the mouth or on the genitals)
• pain during urination (genital herpes)
• itching

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

• fever
• swollen lymph nodes
• headaches
• tiredness
• 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.

Diagnosis

This type of virus is generally diagnosed with a physical exam. Your doctor may check your body for sores and ask you about some of your symptoms.

Your doctor may also request HSV testing. This is known as a herpes culture. It will confirm the diagnosis if you have sores on your genitals. During this test, your doctor will take a swab sample of fluid from the sore and then send it to a laboratory for testing.

Blood tests for antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 can also help diagnose these infections. This is especially helpful when there are no sores present.

Causes

Both types of HSV develop as a result of direct contact with the virus.

HSV-1 most commonly spreads through oral-to-oral contact, which can be with sores, saliva, or the area around the mouth. Transmission may also occur due to sharing lip balm, a toothbrush, or any other product that has come into contact with HSV.

People have a much higher risk of contracting HSV-1 if they come into contact with someone who has an active outbreak of symptoms. In some cases, it is also possible for people to transmit HSV-1 during sexual activity.

Transmission of HSV-2 almost always takes place during sexual contact. This includes any contact with the skin, sores, saliva, or bodily fluids of someone with HSV-2, and it can occur during vaginal, oral, or anal sex.

Prevention

Although there is no cure for herpes, you can take measures to avoid contracting the virus, or to prevent transmitting HSV to another person.

If you are experiencing an outbreak of HSV-1, consider taking a few preventive steps:

• Try to avoid direct physical contact with other people.
• Do not share any items that can pass the virus around, such as cups, towels, silverware, clothing, makeup, or lip balm.
• Do not participate in oral sex, kissing, or any other type of sexual activity during an outbreak.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and apply medication with cotton swabs to reduce contact with sores.

People with HSV-2 should avoid any type of sexual activity with other people during an outbreak. If the person is not experiencing symptoms but has been diagnosed with the virus, a condom should be used during intercourse. But even when using a condom, the virus can still be passed to a partner from uncovered skin.

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

Typical treatment 

Although there is no cure for either type of HSV, symptoms are often not present, and treatment may not be necessary.

When symptoms do occur, they often resolve without treatment after several weeks.

Treatments are available to help control symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Some medications can also reduce the risk of transferring HSV to others.

Antiviral creams or ointments are available for the sores. These treatments should help relieve the itching, stinging, and discomfort. Examples of antiviral medications include:

• acyclovir
• famciclovir
• valacyclovir

These medications are also available in the form of a pill or an injection.

Conclusion

People who become infected with HSV will have the virus for the rest of their lives. Even if it does not manifest symptoms, the virus will continue to live in an infected person’s nerve cells.

Some people may experience regular outbreaks. Others will only experience one outbreak after they have been infected and then the virus may become dormant. Even if a virus is dormant, certain stimuli can trigger an outbreak. These include stress, menstrual periods, fever or illness and sun exposure or sunburn.

It is believed that outbreaks may become less intense over time because the body starts creating antibodies. If a generally healthy person is infected with the virus, there are usually no complications.