Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. There are two types of herpes: HSV type 1 (oral herpes) and HSV type 2 (genital herpes).

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 3.7 billion under the age of 50 are diagnosed with HSV-1 infection globally, while an estimated 491 million people aged 15-49 worldwide have HSV-2 infection.

Once you have the virus, it stays in your body and can cause painful blisters or ulcers at the site of the infection.

While herpes is not life-threatening, it can cause significant and widespread complications in those who have a weaker immune system, such as pregnant women, HIV patients, and newborns.

If you have physical or sexual contact with someone who has the virus, you’re highly at risk of getting infected yourself.

Cold sores

Cold sores, also known as oral herpes, are small, fluid filled blisters around the lips and mouth. You can get cold sores by having direct contact with the blisters or saliva while sharing drinks or utensils, kissing, or having oral sex with an infected person.

A day or two before the cold sore appears, you will feel tingling and itching around the lips. A collection of small blisters will then form, accompanied by pain, tenderness, and burning.

Some people with HSV-1, however, will not have any symptoms as the virus can remain in an inactive state until activated by triggers such as stress, fatigue, fever or infection.

Cold sores are usually contagious in the first few days when blisters form. Avoid sharing utensils or cosmetics, or having any physical contact with others. You should also be extra careful around those who have a weakened immune system.

There is no cure for HSV-1, but the good news is that cold sores usually clear up on their own after around 10 days.

Here are some tips on how to manage your symptoms at home:

• Antiviral medications are available in oral or topical form, such as aciclovir, famciclovir, or valaciclovir. Head over to your pharmacy or visit your doctor.
• Place ice on the cold sore or suck on ice chips to reduce the pain and burning sensation. You can also apply non-prescription gels or ointments containing benzocaine, lidocaine, or benzyl alcohol.
• Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce the pain.
• Avoid foods that are salty, spicy, or acidic such as carbonated drinks and citrus fruits, to prevent further irritation to the site of infection.
• Place a clean, cold and wet towel on the sores for five to 10 minutes a few times a day to reduce redness and irritation.
• Petroleum jelly can be applied to the sores and their surroundings to prevent dry, cracked skin.

Genital herpes (HSV-2)

Genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 and is mainly transmitted through intimate sexual contact. There is also a link between genital herpes and oral herpes, as the latter can spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. As such, in some cases, genital herpes can be caused by HSV-1.

Common symptoms of genital herpes are itching or pain around the genital area, followed by formation of small red bumps or tiny white blisters that later rupture and ooze or bleed. After two to four weeks, scabs will form over the skin as the ulcer heals.

You may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes in your groin initially during an outbreak.

Similar to cold sores, some people may not have any visible symptoms after being infected but can still be contagious. A herpes blood test can be taken to determine if you have an infection.

There is no cure for HSV-2. Your doctor will usually prescribe a seven- to 10-day course of oral antiviral medication such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir to control the recurrence, clear up the sores, and suppress the virus to prevent transmission to sexual partners.

Here’s how you can prevent transmission of the virus:

• Avoid touching your sores or fluid from the blisters, as you may transfer herpes to the other parts of your body such as your eyes.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and maintain good hygiene to avoid spreading the infection.
• Practise safe sex by avoiding multiple partners, using a condom, and avoiding alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgement, to reduce the risk of transmission.

This article was written by DOC2US, a mobile application that allows you to talk to a doctor or any healthcare professionals via text chat at any time and from anywhere.