HSV

HSV or Herpes Simplex Virus is a common virus that causes infections of the skin and mucous membranes. These infections can occur on the skin, in the mouth, or in the genital area.

Types of HSV[edit | edit source]

There are two types of HSV:

HSV-1 - This type usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. However, it can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact.
HSV-2 - This type is the usual cause of genital herpes, but it also can infect the mouth during oral sex.

Transmission[edit | edit source]

HSV is transmitted through direct contact with the virus. This can occur through:

Kissing
Sexual contact
Direct skin-to-skin contact
Contact with the saliva or genital secretions of an infected person

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of HSV can vary greatly. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience:

Blisters or sores in the mouth, on the lips, or on the genitals
Fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Headaches
Fatigue
Muscle aches

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

HSV is diagnosed through a variety of methods, including:

Physical examination
Viral culture
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
Blood test

Treatment[edit | edit source]

There is no cure for HSV, but antiviral medications can help to:

Reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks
Reduce the frequency of outbreaks
Minimize the chance of transmitting the virus to others

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention strategies for HSV include:

Using condoms during sexual activity
Avoiding sexual activity when symptoms are present
Taking antiviral medications if you are at high risk of transmission

See also[edit | edit source]

HSV Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.