What is HSV?

Herpes simplex viruses -- more commonly known as herpes -- are categorized into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes). Most commonly, herpes type 1 causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the genitals or rectum. Although HSV-2 sores may occur in other locations, these sores usually are found below the waist.

How common is HSV?

An estimated 3.7 billion people had HSV-1 infection during the same year – around 66.6% of the world's population aged 0 to 49. HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral to oral contact to cause infection in or around the mouth (oral herpes). In January, WHO estimated that 417 million people aged 15-49 years have HSV-2 infection, which causes genital herpes. Taken together, the estimates reveal that over half a billion people between the ages of 15-49 years have genital infection caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2. So two-thirds of the world have HSV 1 or 2 and 1 out of 6 people have genital herpes caused either by HSV-1 or HSV-2

How is HSV transmitted?

HSV-1 and HSV-2 can only be transmitted by skin to skin contact. HSV-1 is transmitted orally from kissing someone else having skin to skin contact with someone else who has HSV-1 orally. HSV-1 can also be transmitted to someone’s genitals from oral sex from someone who has HSV-1 orally, or if they have HSV-1 on their genitals and have intercourse with someone who does not have it. HVS-2 is sexually transmitted by skin to skin contact with someone who is positive for HSV-2

When can HSV be transmitted?

HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be transmitted during an active outbreak, when a person is experience blisters or sores on their mouth or genitals. Or the virus can also be transmitted when someone is experience viral shedding.

Do condoms prevent HSV?

Though condoms do drastically reduce the risk of transmission of HSV, it is not always 100%. HSV can be in arears that are not covered by condoms and can then still be transmitted.

What are symptoms of HSV?

• fever.

• swollen lymph nodes.

• body aches and pains, including headache.

• unusual tiredness or fatigue.

• lack of appetite.

• shooting pain at the site of the infection.

• Tingling, itching, or burning.

• Sores. Oral herpes (HSV-1): Most blisters appear on the lips or around the mouth. Genital herpes (HSV-2): Sores typically occur on the penis, vagina, buttocks, or anus.

• Flu-like symptoms.

• Problems urinating.

• An eye infection (herpes keratitis).
  

How can you find out if you have HSV-1 or HSV-2?

You can be tested for either HSV-1 or HSV-2 by getting a swab test done if you are having symptoms, or you can have a blood test done. If you are wanting to be tested and know your status for either HSV-1 or 2 you have to ask your doctor specifically to be tested for herpes. If you go and get tested and ask to be tested for everything they still do not test you for everything such as Herpes.

Is herpes a skin condition?

Though Herpes can cause you to experience certain symptoms that affect your skin, it is not a skin condition. Herpes is actually a nervous system infection. Herpes lives in the base of your spinal cord