Genital

Herpes
The itchiness, down there…
Page of Contents

1 Facts

2 Symptoms

3 Testing

4 Statistics

5 Treatment

6 Prevention
 A bit about HSV:
Things to
remember:
Two Out of Three People
Are Infected With Herpes,
There is No Cure For
Herpes,
You May Be Infected With
Herpes and Not Know It,
Herpes is Spread From
Person-to-Person,
One Herpes Outbreak
(Usually) Leads to Another,
Anyone Can Get Herpes.
One name sticks out in the world of viral illnesses because
of its prevalence and notoriety: Herpes Simplex Virus, or
HSV. This viral family is divided into two types: HSV-1 and
HSV-2, each with specific properties and effects on human
health.
The HSV family of viruses affects millions of people
worldwide and is sometimes veiled in confusion and stigma.
This primer digs into the fascinating world of HSV, offering
light on its various forms, transmission, and the intricate
interplay between this virus and the human body. We hope to
provide a full understanding of this common yet mysterious
virus as we unravel its riddles.
Bibliography:
NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-
hpv/#:~:text=Human%20papillomavirus%20(HPV)%20is%20the,more%20than%20100%20different%
20types. Accessed 21 Oct, 2023.
“HSV Treatment.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 July 2021,
www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/treatment.htm#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20treatment%20for,grow%20in%20
size%20or%20number. Accessed 21 Oct, 2023.
“HSV.” HSV | Office on Women’s Health, www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/human-
papillomavirus#:~:text=Human%20papillomavirus%2C%20or%20HPV%2C%20is,some%20point%20i
n%20their%20lifetime.&text=It%20is%20usually%20spread%20through%20vaginal%2C%20oral%2
C%20or%20anal%20sex. Accessed 21 Oct, 2023.
“HSV” European Vaccination Information Portal, 13 Mar. 2020, vaccination-info.europa.eu/en/disease-
factsheets/human-papillomavirus-
hpv#:~:text=Human%20papillomavirus%20(HPV)%20infection%20is,them%20can%20infect%20the%
20genitals. Accessed 21 Oct, 2023.
Athena Altamura
Common Symptoms:
Symptoms start about 2 to 12 days after exposure to the virus. They may include:

1 Pain or itching
around the genitals

Small bumps or

2
blisters around the
genitals, anus or
mouth

Painful ulcers that

3 form when blisters

rupture and ooze or
bleed

4 Scabs that form as

the ulcers heal

Athena Altamura
 Unveiling the facts we’ll be covering:
Herpes is a viral infection that has been a topic of curiosity and concern for
many. To demystify this common condition, here are five essential facts:

Herpes is spread mainly through direct skin-to-skin contact, even intimately.

Prevalence and The virus is extremely common, with a large proportion of the global
population infected with one or both forms of HSV. Many people may be
Transmission: unaware of their infection since they are asymptomatic or have minimal
symptoms.

Herpes symptoms can range from itching and flu-like symptoms to

painful sores or blisters in the affected area. The virus can lay latent
Outbreaks and in the body for long periods of time before resurfacing in outbreaks
Symptoms: caused by stress, illness, or even hormonal changes.

While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral drugs can aid in its
Management and management. These drugs have the potential to lower the frequency and
intensity of outbreaks, as well as the danger of transmission. Safe sex,
Treatment: including the use of condoms, can also lower the risk of transmitting the
virus to your partner.

Regrettably, herpes is frequently connected with stigma and

Education misunderstanding. To eliminate myths and misconceptions regarding
and Stigma: the virus, education and awareness are critical. Open and courteous
conversations about herpes are essential for supporting people who
are infected.

Bibliography:
“Massive Proportion of World’s Population Are Living with “Detailed Std Facts - Genital Herpes.” Centers for Disease
Herpes Infection.” World Health Organization, Control and Prevention, 22 July 2021,
www.who.int/news/item/01-05-2020-massive-proportion-world- www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes-detailed.htm. Accessed
population-living-with-herpes- 21 Oct, 2023.
infection#:~:text=Prevalence%20and%20incidence,- “Genital Herpes - Self-Care: Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia.”
An%20estimated%20491.5&text=An%20estimated%203.7%20bi MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine,
llion%20people,the%20mouth%20(oral%20herpes). Accessed medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000653.htm#:~:text=Ge
21 Oct, 2023. nital%20herpes%20cannot%20be%20cured,if%20it%20has%20
James, Charlotte, et al. “Herpes Simplex Virus: Global Infection been%20prescribed. Accessed 21 Oct, 2023.
Prevalence and Incidence Estimates, 2016.” Bulletin of the NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/genital-herpes/.
World Health Organization, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Accessed 21 Oct, 2023.
May 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7265941/. “Genital Herpes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical
Accessed 21 Oct, 2023. Education and Research, 22 Nov. 2022,
US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/genital-
Administration. “Va.Gov: Veterans Affairs.” Protect Your Health, herpes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356167. Accessed 21 Oct,
9 Dec. 2013, 2023.
www.publichealth.va.gov/infectiondontpassiton/womens-health-
guide/stds/genital-herpes.asp. Accessed 21 Oct, 2023.
Athena Altamura
 Herpes Testing Unveiled:
In this informative guide, we dive into the crucial aspects of herpes testing, aiming
to provide clarity and promote sexual health awareness:

Herpes is a common viral infection

affecting millions worldwide, often
shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding.
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) exists in two
primary forms: HSV-1 (typically oral herpes)
and HSV-2 (usually associated with genital
herpes). Testing for herpes is a crucial step
in understanding your health status,
promoting responsible sexual behavior, and
reducing the stigma surrounding this
prevalent infection.

Process of Diagnosing
Types of Herpes testing:
Herpes:
1. Medical Background and Symptoms: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Your doctor will inquire about your Tests: Highly accurate molecular tests
medical history as well as any that detect viral DNA.
symptoms you are having, such as Viral Culture Tests: A laboratory method
sores, blisters, or discomfort. to grow and identify the herpes virus.
2. Physical Exam: A visual examination Antibody Tests: Blood tests that detect
of the affected area is performed to the body's immune response to the
search for apparent herpes virus.
indications. Point-of-Care Tests: Quick and
3. Laboratory Examinations: A viral accessible tests used in some
culture (swabbing a sore), PCR test healthcare settings
(detecting the virus's genetic
material), or antibody blood testing

Bibliography:
(looking for immunological response
to the virus) may be used to confirm
the diagnosis.
4. Discussion and Disclosure: Your test
findings will be discussed with you,
and if positive, you will discuss
treatment choices and how to
manage the condition
Who should get tested?
Herpes is examined for a variety of
people, including those experiencing
symptoms (mentioned in the page
before) those in high-risk groups, and
pregnant women should especially
tested.
“CDC – Genital Herpes Screening.” Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 11 July 2022,
www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/screening.htm. Accessed 21
Oct,2023.
“Content Map Terms.” Herpes Tests | HealthLink BC,
www.healthlinkbc.ca/tests-treatments-medications/medical-
tests/herpes-tests. Accessed 21 Oct,2023.
Elizabeth Boskey, PhD. “Your Herpes IGG Test Is Positive.
What Does That Mean?” Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2022,
www.verywellhealth.com/what-does-a-positive-herpes-igg-
test-mean-3132937. Accessed 22 Oct,2023.
“HSV Tests for Genital Herpes: Test Types (PCR vs.
Culture vs Blood).” WebMD, www.webmd.com/genital-
herpes/herpes-tests-what-you-should-know. Accessed 22
Oct,2023.
Quest Diagnostics: Test Directory,
testdirectory.questdiagnostics.com/test/test-
guides/CF_GenitalHerpes/genital-herpes-laboratory-
support-of-diagnosis-and-management. Accessed 22
Oct,2023.
Athena Altamura
 Focus on the positives…
You are not alone if you have recently obtained a positive herpes test. This section is
intended to assist you navigate this part of your health by providing you with support. Herpes
is a widespread virus, but with the appropriate information and methods, you can live a happy
and healthy life. Remember that a herpes diagnosis does not define you; it is only one
chapter in your life. Let's take this journey together and focus on living our greatest lives!

Description Phone Email

VA Clinic (California) 919-361-8488 N/A

Email
Herpes Virus 0845- 123-2305 info@herpes.org
association

Hotline AIDS and 800-230-6039 N/A

Herpes Victaims

Navigating Herpes
Treatment:
Currently, no drug can get rid of the herpes virus. However, a doctor can prescribe an antiviral
medication, such as acyclovir, to prevent the virus from multiplying. Meanwhile, over-the-counter
herpes treatments, often creams, can help manage tingling, itching, and pain.

A Statistical analysis
According to the World Health Organisation in “2016
(last available estimates), 3.7 billion people under the
67% age of 50, or 67% of the global population, had HSV-1
infection (oral or genital), but most HSV-1 infections
were acquired during childhood,” and “Genital herpes
caused by HSV-2 affects an estimated 491 million (13%)
13% people aged 15–49 years worldwide.”

Bibliography:
“Herpes Simplex Virus.” World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-
sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-
virus#:~:text=In%202016%20(last%20available%20estimates,years%20worldwide%20(2016%2
0data). Accessed 22 Oct, 2023.
“Herpes: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International,
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151739#:~:text=No%20drug%20can%20get%20rid,tingling
%2C%20itching%2C%20and%20pain. Accessed 22 Oct, 2023.
Athena Altamura
Preventing Or…
Hear me out,
Problems just don’t have sex

Sexual
1 Safety:
2 Communication:
Consistently use latex or polyurethane
Open and honest communication with
condoms during sexual activity to
sexual partners about your sexual
reduce the risk of transmission.
health and herpes status is crucial.

Avoid Contact
3 During Outbreaks: 4 Regular Testing:
If you or your partner has a herpes Get tested for sexually transmitted
outbreak, avoid any sexual contact until infections (STIs) regularly, and
it has completely healed. encourage your partner to do the same
for early detection and management.

Bibliography:
5 Vaccination:
If available, consider getting
vaccinated against herpes zoster
(shingles), which is caused by the
varicella-zoster virus and can be a
reactivation of the virus that causes
chickenpox.

Athena Altamura