Herpes

In cooperation with Gilead Sciences

What causes the disease?

The disease is caused by a virus, Herpes simplex virus, HSV, which exists in two closely related variants, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both virus variants can cause rashes and sores on the lips (oral herpes) and genitals (genital herpes). However, HSV-1 is more often the cause of oral herpes, while HSV-2 more often causes genital herpes.

How is herpes transmitted?

Herpes virus is mainly found in saliva and the liquid in the blisters that form. Research in recent years has shown that unconscious virus shedding without symptoms can occur and that you can therefore infect a partner without being aware that you are infected or contagious. Herpes virus is transmitted via direct contact, mucosa to mucosa, mouth to mouth, or mouth to mucosa. You can therefore get oral herpes, for example, through kissing and unprotected oral sex. Genital herpes is transmitted through unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse and unprotected oral sex and rimming (licking someone’s anus).

Once the virus has entered the body, it multiplies and spreads via nerve fibers up to nerve nodes at the lumbar spine or the cheek. There, the virus will remain for the rest of your life in the form of a latent or “dormant” infection.

How to protect yourself from herpes?

Condoms significantly reduce the risk of infection, provided that they are intact and worn throughout intercourse. Good personal hygiene also reduces the risk of spreading infection. If you have symptoms, you should not share cutlery, food or lip balms with others.

What symptoms can you get?

The incubation period for herpes is usually stated as 2-20 days. However, most people who are infected with herpes initially have no symptoms at all. This applies to both oral herpes and genital herpes. Some of those who are sexually infected can have severe symptoms from their primary infection. The first signs are usually tingling, burning, and itching of the skin. After about a day, blisters appear which burst after a day or so and an oozing wound appears. These sores can be very painful. You can get a high fever, headache, and sore, swollen lymph nodes in the groin. Without treatment, it can take several weeks before you are fully recovered, and the wounds are healed.

After the first outbreak, some people do not have any further outbreaks of herpes infection. The virus that lies “dormant” in the nerve nodes will, however for some people, for various reasons, “wake up”, and be reactivated. They multiply and are transported out to the skin, which can result in a symptomatic outbreak with new blisters and sores. These recurrences are usually milder than the first infection. A relapse can also take place in the form of viral shedding that you don’t notice. The recurring outbreaks usually occur in the same place. Common causes of recurrence are lowering of the immune system such as other infections, menstruation, stress, or sunbathing.

How are examination and testing done?

A herpes infection is usually so typical that no sampling is necessary. The diagnosis can be confirmed by taking secretions from a fresh blister or wound and sending them to a laboratory for virus detection.

Where do you turn if the problems are severe?

You can contact a health care center, GP practice, youth clinic, skin and vein clinic, or sex and cohabitation clinic for an examination. Telephone numbers and links to many of the country’s receptions can be found here.

How to treat herpes?

Most often, oral herpes does not require treatment, it is enough to keep the area clean and dry and avoid covering make-up and the like. Compeed® cold sore plasters can be used to hide the wound. There are a number of over-the-counter creams available in pharmacies, such as Anti®, Healip®, Vectavir® and Zovirax®, which can have a soothing effect and make the wound heal faster. For the best effect, the drugs should be started as early as possible. If you have severe and frequent outbreaks, you can discuss with your doctor about getting prescription drugs, for example, Zovirax® or Aciclovir Stada®.

What can happen if you go untreated?

The outbreaks of herpes can last longer if you do not treat it with the creams that are available. A pregnant woman with ongoing genital herpes can infect her child during childbirth, which is why a cesarean section is usually chosen in these cases.

How common is the disease?

Herpes is a very common infection. About 70% of the adult population is a carrier of HSV-1 and about 30% of HSV-2.

What does the Infection Protection Act say?

The disease is not notifiable according to the Infection Protection Act and you are not legally obliged to inform a partner about your infection.