|
| What is it? |
| • |
Genital herpes (GH) is a viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can be caused by herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2)1 |
| • |
The virus can infect the genitals, anus, buttocks, top of the thighs, mouth, lips or face causing discomfort and sometimes painful blistering2 |
| • |
The number of people infected with the herpes simplex virus is increasing1 |
 back to top |
How common is it? |
| • |
GH is the second most common STI in Australia1 with 1 in 8 adults in Australia carrying the virus4 |
| • |
GH is twice as common in women (1 in 6) as men (1 in 12)4 |
| • |
GH is most prevalent in people between the ages of 35 and 444 |
| • |
People in metropolitan areas have higher rates of infection than those in rural areas4 |
| • |
The rate of GH within indigenous communities (18%) is higher than that in non-indigenous communities (12%)4 |
| back to top |
The symptoms |
| • |
80% of people infected with GH don’t know they have it4 because they are unaware of the symptoms or do not experience any5 |
| • |
It is possible to carry the virus and never have symptoms or experience an outbreak however it can still be passed unknowingly onto a partner6 |
| • |
Symptoms vary from mild thrush-like symptoms, redness and itchiness to genital blisters2 |
| • |
The initial outbreak may include flu-like symptoms such as fever and pain in the back, legs and joints |
| • |
People who have had an initial outbreak of GH generally experience 4-6 outbreaks per year in their first year6 |
| • |
Because GH and thrush share similar symptoms, some women may self-diagnose thrush7 |
| back to top |
How it is transmitted |
| • |
Transmission of GH occurs during vaginal, oral or anal sex1 |
| • |
GH can be transmitted via oral sex8 |
| • |
Sometimes the virus may be present in the genital area, even if there are no visible signs of infection (e.g. blisters or sores) and at these times transmission to sexual partners can occur8 |
| • |
Viral shedding occurs from areas that may not be covered by condoms, consequently condoms offer only partial protection against GH; |
| • |
Over 70% of people with GH acquire it from a partner who has no apparent symptoms and who is unaware he/she has it5 |
| back to top |
Stopping the spread (transmission) |
| • |
People should always avoid sexual contact when a person is having an outbreak8 |
| • |
Using a condom during sex will reduce the risk of transmitting GH but not prevent it8 |
| • |
Suppressive antiviral therapy can halve the risk of transmitting the HSV-2 virus to a sexual partner10,11 |
| • |
A combination of condoms and suppressive therapy is the most effective way for a person with GH to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to a sexual partner15 |
| back to top |
Diagnosis |
| • |
It is important to get checked by your doctor if you think you may have GH |
| • |
See a doctor when symptoms are present and have a swab taken from one of the sores and sent to a laboratory for analysis2 |
| • |
A blood sample may be taken to confirm the presence of antibodies to the virus within your system. This may not provide a definitive diganosis3 |
| • |
In Australia, a full STI test may not include a test for GH8 |
| • |
The new Australian Herpes Management Forum (AHMF) diagnosis guideline will assist doctors to accurately diagnose GH |
| back to top |
Treatment |
| • |
Currently, there is no cure for GH, however there are several ways to manage GH with anti-viral treatment:
| – |
episodic therapy – if used within three days of an outbreak, can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms;11 and |
| – |
suppressive therapy - used daily over a period of months or years can reduce the number and severity of outbreaks. Most individuals will have no recurrences during treatment.10,11 It may also reduce viral shedding, by up to 85% and halve the risk of transmitting GH to a sexual partner.10,11,13,14 |
|
| • |
It is important that people with GH speak to their doctor about treatment options so that they can develop an effective management strategy |
| • |
It is estimated that just under 20% of people diagnosed with GH, are being treated with medication which could reduce further outbreaks or transmission to a partner12 |
| back to top |
