Herpes Simplex
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), also known as herpes, is a common infection that can cause painful blisters or ulcers. There are two types of herpes simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2).
Transmission
Type 1 (HSV-1) is spread:
- Person to person through saliva.
- Oral herpes caused by HSV-1 can spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. This is why some cases of genital herpes are due to HSV-1
- Most people with oral herpes get it during childhood or young adulthood from non-sexual contact with saliva
Type 2 (HSV-2) is spread:
- Person to person by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are most contagious when sores are present but can also be transmitted when no symptoms are felt or visible. Many people are not aware they have the infection and can pass along the virus to others without knowing.
Symptoms
Most people with herpes have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.
Oral herpes symptoms occur in or around the mouth or lips and may include:
- Blisters (cold sores)
- Open sores
Genital herpes symptoms occur around the genitals or anus and may include:
- Bumps
- Blisters
- Open sores
During a first infection, people may also experience:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Sore throat (oral herpes)
- Headache
- Swollen lymph nodes near the infection People can have repeated outbreaks (“recurrences”) over time. These are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak.
People can have repeated outbreaks (“recurrences”) over time. These are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider can usually make a diagnosis of genital herpes based on a physical exam and a history of your sexual activity. Laboratory based testing is available to see if you have an HSV-1 or HSV-2 herpes infection.
Treatment
Medications are often used to treat first or recurrent episodes of herpes. They can decrease how long symptoms last and how severe they are, but they can’t cure the infection. Treatment for recurrent episodes is most effective when started within 48 hours of when symptoms begin.
Prevention
- Avoid oral contact with others (including oral sex)
- Do not share objects that touched saliva
- Abstain from sexual activity while experiencing symptoms
- Practice correct use of condoms is the best way to prevent genital herpes and other STIs
- Condoms reduce the risk; however, HSV infection can still occur through contact with genital or anal areas not covered by the condom.
For more information about the treatment of Herpes Simplex contact you health care provide or visit STD Facts - Genital Herpes (cdc.gov).
Exclusion Guidance
Individuals with herpes infections should not be excluded from work, school, or childcare unless they have mouth sores or blisters and do not have control of oral secretions, or the general exclusions apply.
- If oral secretions are uncontrolled, the child may return once the mouth sores are gone.
- For recurrent infections, no exclusion.