• 1 in 5 Americans has genital herpes.
• At least 80% of those infected with genital herpes were unaware at time of diagnosis.
  
• Herpes can be transmitted without sexual intercourse.

What is it?

Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by either Herpes Simplex Virus 1 or 2 (HSV-1 or HSV-2), although most genital infections are caused by HSV-2. One out of every five persons age 12 years and older is infected with genital HSV.

Signs and Symptoms

Once infected with the virus, most persons do not display symptoms. However, if they do experience symptoms they will be very distinct. The first outbreak generally occurs within one to two weeks of infection with the virus and lasts for approximately two to four weeks. This outbreak is marked by sores in the infected area, flu-like symptoms, including fever and swollen glands. Yet, most infected individuals may never experience sores, or may have very mild, unnoticeable symptoms. 

Generally, most individuals that experience symptoms in the first outbreak will experience 4-5 more episodes within one year. Eventually, over time outbreaks occur less frequently.

How common is it?

Genital Herpes is a common infection in the United States, infecting approximately 45 million people ages 12 and older. Therefore, one in five adolescents and adults are infected with genital herpes. HSV-2 is more common in women (infecting one out of four women) than in men (one out of four men).

How do people get Herpes?

HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause, but they also are released between outbreaks from skin that does not appear to be broken or to have a sore. Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected.

HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but it more commonly causes infections of the mouth and lips, so-called "fever blisters." HSV-1 infection of the genitals can be caused by oral-genital or genital-genital contact with a person who has HSV-1 infection. Genital HSV-1 outbreaks recur less regularly than genital HSV-2 outbreaks.

Testing and Treatment

The signs and symptoms associated with HSV-2 can vary greatly. Health care providers can diagnose genital herpes by visual inspection if the outbreak is typical, and by taking a sample from the sore(s) and testing it in a laboratory. HSV infections can be difficult to diagnose between outbreaks. Blood tests, which detect HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection, may be helpful, although the results are not always clear-cut. Testing is available at GW's Student Health Service, please call (202) 994-6827 to set up an appointment.

Herpes cannot be cured, however antiviral medications can prevent outbreaks and shorten ones that occur. Additionally, daily suppressive therapy may reduce transmission to partners during sexual contact.

How do I Protect Myself?

As with other STDs, refraining from sexual contact, or being in a long term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected, is the most effective way to prevent infection with genital herpes. Also, latex condoms reduce the risk of contracting herpes if they are used correctly and consistently and cover all areas infected with the virus.

Reference: Information obtained from Center for Disease Control and Prevention