‘Herpes’ is named from ancient Greek, ‘to creep or crawl’, with the typical spreading skin lesions described by Hippocrates.
The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is an infection that causes herpes. Herpes can appear in various parts of the body, most commonly on the genitals or mouth. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus.
- HSV-1: primarily causes oral herpes, and is generally responsible for cold sores and fever blisters around the mouth and on the face. HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause oral herpes (which can include symptoms known as “cold sores”), but can also cause genital herpes.
- HSV-2: primarily causes genital herpes, and is generally responsible for genital herpes outbreaks.
"Can I catch herpes from a toilet seat?"
HSV can only survive a short time way from the body. It may live for a short while on a wet towel and theoretically be passed on this way.
It is not possible to catch herpes from a toilet seat.
What are the symptoms of HSV-1?
Some of the symptoms associated with this virus include:
• blistering sores (in the mouth or on the genitals)
• pain during urination (genital herpes)
• itching
A person may also experience symptoms that are similar to the flu. These symptoms can include:
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes
- headaches
- tiredness
- and lack of appetite
Oral herpes infection is mostly asymptomatic, and the majority of people with HSV-1 infection are unaware they are infected.
Symptoms of oral herpes include painful blisters or open sores called ulcers in or around the mouth. Sores on the lips are commonly referred to as “cold sores.” Infected persons will often experience a tingling, itching or burning sensation around their mouth, before the appearance of sores. After initial infection, the blisters or ulcers can periodically recur. The frequency of recurrences varies from person to person.
Genital herpes caused by HSV-1 can be asymptomatic or can have mild symptoms that go unrecognized. When symptoms do occur, genital herpes is characterised by one or more genital or anal blisters or ulcers. After an initial genital herpes episode, which may be severe, symptoms may recur, but genital herpes caused by HSV-1 often does not recur frequently.
HSV can also spread to the eyes, causing a condition called herpes keratitis. This can cause symptoms such as:
- eye pain
- discharge
- and a gritty feeling in the eye
Infection with HSV-2 increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection.
"What can I do if I'm infected?"
There is currently no cure for this virus.
Treatment focuses on getting rid of sores and limiting outbreaks. Saline washes can be used to reduce risks of superinfection. Urinate in bath/or use water jug to rinse to reduce painful urination in women. Drinking plenty to keep urine dilute may also help in genital herpes.
It is possible that the sores will go away without treatment. However, your doctor may determine if the person needs one or more of the following medications:
- acyclovir
- famciclovir
- valacyclovir
These medications can help people infected with the virus reduce the risk of transmitting it to others. The medications also help to lower the intensity and frequency of outbreaks.
