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Everything You Need to Know about HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus)

 Wed, Feb 05 2025

Reading time: 10 mins

The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common viral infection affecting different parts of the body. This virus stays in your body for lifetime, shifting among dormant and outbreak periods on the basis of different triggering factors. HSV is often surrounded by different misconceptions and stigma despite its prevalence. This is because it is mostly associated with STIs (sexually transmitted infections). As a result, most HSV patients often end up feeling hesitant or embarrassed to seek medical care from sexual health clinics because of such misunderstanding.

However, medical advancements have made preventing HSV transmission and managing its symptoms easier. This blog provides in-depth insights into HSV infection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment options.   

What is Herpes Simplex Virus?

A highly contagious virus, the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) belongs to the family of Herpesviridae, and leads to various infections in the human body. One of the most notable characteristics of HSV is its lifelong presence in human body, shifting among periods of active outbreaks and dormancy. This virus mainly targets the nerves, skin, or mucous membranes, resulting in a broad range of symptoms according to the site and type of infection.

Although HSV is a common virus affecting millions across the globe, its impacts vary widely in different individual cases. Symptoms may range from mild and manageable in most cases to severe and complicated in rare conditions. A comprehensive understanding of HSV is essential to manage its effects and reduce its transmission. 

Types of Herpes Simplex Virus

HSV mainly occurs in two main types, causing different patterns of infection:

  1. HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1)

Commonly known for oral herpes, HSV-1 is known to cause blisters from fevers and cold sores around the mouth and facial region. Although rare, it might lead to genital infections as well. Moreover, direct physical contact with the skin or saliva of infected individuals might lead to contagious transmissions of HSV-1.

  1. HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2)

Primarily responsible for genital herpes, HSV-2 causes lesions or sores in the anal and genital areas. Sexual contacts such as oral, anal, or vaginal sex are the most common modes of transmission of this virus. As compared to HSV-1, HSV-2 is known to be associated with greater chances of recurrent outbreaks. 

Although the different types of HSV have different tendencies, under certain conditions both the viruses can affect similar areas. Understanding the exact type of HSV is essential for analysing the infection.  

Which parts of the body are affected by HIV?

Different parts of the body can be affected by the Herpes Simplex Virus, based on the mode of transmission and the type of virus. Some most commonly impacted areas by HSV are:

  • Face and mouth

HSV-1 is typically responsible for oral herpes, resulting in blisters and cold sores around your mouth, lips, nose, or over your entire facial region. Gum inflammation within the mouth is a common sign of severe HSV cases.

  • Anal and genital areas

HSV-2 is known to mainly affect our genital areas or anal regions, resulting in itching, discomfort, or sores. However, oral-genital contact with HSV-1 might also infect these areas.  

  • Eyes

Often caused by HSV-1, ocular herpes leads to infection of your eye surface. It causes pain and redness in your eyes, or a blurry vision. Severe cases might cause damage to the cornea, leading to visual impairments. 

  • Skin

Broken or cracked skin anywhere on the body might be infected by HSV, especially in individuals with conditions like eczema or those having a weak immune system. ‘Herpetic whitlow’ is a condition of HSV infection of the fingers which can commonly be seen in children or healthcare workers.

  • Central Nervous System

In some rare cases, HSV leads to complications like meningitis or encephalitis (a condition of brain inflammation). These issues impact your central nervous system.

  • Other Areas

Other areas of your body like thighs or buttocks might also be affected by HSV at occasional situations. This completely depends on the site of initial exposure or reactivation of the virus.

Symptoms of Herpes Simplex Infection

Symptoms of HSV infection might vary based on the site of the infection, the type of the virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2), and if it is a case of a first outbreak or a recurrent infection. Some common HSV symptoms are:

  • Oral Herpes symptoms (HSV-1)

As HSV-1 is usually associated with oral herpes, it causes cold sores and painful blisters around the mouth, lips, or nose. Before the appearance of the sores, you might experience an itching, tingling, or burning sensation in that area. Swollen lymph nodes, fever, and a sore throat are common signs occurring during the initial outbreak. 

  • Genital Herpes symptoms (HSV-2)

HSV-2 is known to produce blisters and painful sores in the anal and genital areas, which cause tingling, itching, or burning sensations. You might also experience pain while urinating or during or even after a sexual intercourse. Flu like symptoms is also common including body pain, fever, or swollen lymph nodes in the first outbreak.

  • Ocular Herpes symptoms

Sensitivity to light and a blurry vision are some common symptoms of ocular herpes. These are associated with pain and redness in the eyes along with constant tearing.

  • General symptoms

Initial HSV infections are often characterised by malaise and fatigue. These symptoms might be absent or become milder in cases of recurrent outbreaks.

  • Recurrent outbreaks

Recurrent HSV infections are generally shorter and milder than the initial outbreaks. Exposures to sunlight, illness, stress, or hormonal changes are common factors triggering recurrent HSV outbreaks.

However, it is important to note that some individuals might carry HSV without exhibiting symptoms, but they can still transmit the virus.

How does the transmission of HSV occur?

Direct contact with different modes is responsible for the transmission of HSV infection. Some common ways of HSV contraction include:

  1. Skin to skin contact: Direct physical contact with the skin or sores of the infected person might cause the virus transmission, causing an active outbreak.
  2. Oral contact: Intimate oral contact like kissing, sharing drinks, lip balms, or utensils with an infected individual can all encourage HSV-1 transmission.
  3. Sexual contact: Vaginal, oral, or anal sex with a person carrying HSV make place to HSV-2 transmission.
  4. Contact with mucous membranes: Mucous membranes present in the mouth, eyes, cracked skin, or genital areas can all allow the virus to enter the body.
  5. Maternal transmission: During childbirth, HSV might be passed on from an infected mother to the newborn baby, particularly if the mother suffered an active outbreak during the delivery.

HSV can cause highly contagious infections with higher risks of transmission during symptomatic outbreaks. However, transmission of the virus might also take place when the patient does not show much prominent symptoms. This phenomenon is known as asymptomatic shedding. 

What factors trigger an HSV outbreak?

Herpes Simples Virus (HSV) remains dormant within the body for considerably longer periods. However, there are certain factors which reactive the virus and lead to outbreaks. Some common triggers are:

  • Stress: Physical or emotional stress makes our immune system weak, triggering the reactivation of the virus.
  • Illness: Colds, fevers, and secondary infections often weaken your immunity and encourages HSV outbreak.
  • Hormonal changes: HSV outbreaks might take place, especially in women, due to pregnancy, menstrual cycles, or fluctuations of hormones.
  • Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun irritates the skin and activates the virus.
  • Fatigue: Overexertion and lack of rest often strain the body, triggering recurrences.
  • Injury to the skin: The sites on the body where the virus is present might cause outbreaks due to abrasions, cuts, or irritation in those areas.

Knowing these triggers is crucial to minimise the risks of outbreaks and take preventive measures to effectively manage the condition.

Diagnosing Herpes Simplex Virus

Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) combines laboratory tests with clinical evaluations to confirm the presence of the virus. It is typically done by:

  • Clinical examination

The healthcare provider identifies typical signs of HSV infection such as blisters, sores, or lesions through clinical assessment.

  • Swab test (viral culture)

A sample of your blister or sore is collected and tested in a laboratory to detect the presence of HSV and find out its type (HSV-1 or HSV-2).

  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test

This PCR test checks the presence of the genetic material of the virus and also distinguishes between HSV-1 and HSV-2.

  • Blood tests

Serological tests are done to detect antibodies in the blood which are useful in diagnosing infections without visible symptoms or past HSV infections.

  • Tzanck Smear (a rare method)

It is an old method which examines cells from a lesion under a microscope. This is done to look for changes associated with HSV infection.

Treating Herpes Simplex Virus

Although Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) cannot be cured permanently, different treatment approaches can manage symptoms and active HSV outbreaks, along with minimising the risks of transmission. The key treatment options include:

  1. Antiviral medications

Certain antiviral medications control the spread of the virus and speed up the healing of the sores.

  1. Episodic therapy

This method includes receiving antiviral medications at the beginning of the outbreak when itching or tingling sensations appear first. This therapy reduces the outbreak duration and discomfort. 

  1. Chronic suppressive therapy

For frequent outbreaks, taking antiviral medications daily can prevent recurrent infections. It also reduces the risks of HSV transmission. This therapy is effective for chronic HSV patients suffering more than 6 outbreaks a year.

  1. Symptoms relief

You can also get relief from your discomfort during outbreaks by getting soothing creams, pain relievers, or cold compresses over the counter. 

  1. Lifestyle adjustments

As factors like fatigue, stress, or exposure to sun trigger the frequency of HSV outbreaks, managing them can help.

Remember that proper adherence to medical care and treatment plans allow effective management of HSV infections and restore healthy lives.

How to prevent HSV infections?

As Herpes Simplex Virus cannot be completely prevented, following the tips below can help prevent the risks:

  • Practise safe sex

Use dental dams or condoms during sexual activity to reduce the risks of HSV-2 transmission.

  • Avoid contact during outbreaks

Avoid sharing personal items, coming in close contact, kissing, or involving in sexual activity with individuals having visible sores or showing symptoms of HSV infection. 

  • Limit exposure to triggers

Safeguard yourself from sun exposure, manage stress, and follow a healthy lifestyle to minimise the risks of infection and asymptomatic shedding.

  • Good hygiene practices

After coming in contact with sores or other infected areas, make sure to wash your hands properly. Also do not share utensils, towels, or other personal products with an infected person.

  • Antiviral medications

Antiviral medications and suppressive therapies are effective in limiting the transmission of HSV and reduce frequent outbreaks.

  • Prevent maternal transmission

Pregnant women carrying HSV must work on preventing neonatal herpes under the supervision of their healthcare provider. This is to protect the baby from risks of HSV right after birth.

The above measures help prevent the likelihood of developing HSV infection. Moreover, regular healthcare check-ups and open communication with partner are integral to controlling HSV transmission.

When to see a doctor for HSV infection?

If you experience any of the following, consult your doctor immediately:

  • First outbreak

If you are going through your first HSV outbreak, early intervention helps minimise symptoms and reduce the duration.

  • Severe or persistent symptoms

Once you notice extensive, painful sores not healing in more than 2 weeks.

  • Frequent recurrences

Experiencing recurrent outbreaks, occurring over 6 times a year and interfering with your quality of life.

  • Eye symptoms

Having painful, red eyes with a blurry vision. Untreated HSV infections in the eye might cause serious complications.

  • Pregnancy and HSV

Discuss delivery options with your doctor if you are having HSV during pregnancy and want to prevent transmitting the virus to the baby.

  • Weakened immune system

If your immune system is compromised due to conditions like chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS, beware of severe complications and visit the doctor promptly.

Remember that timely medical attention is integral to minimising complications, ensuring management, and reducing risks of transmission.

Summary

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is quite common and manageable condition, affecting quality of life of masses. If you or any dear one of yours is getting symptoms of HSV infection, consult one of our expert dermatologists or infectious disease specialists promptly at MD.co.uk. Remember that advanced diagnostic techniques, expert guidance, personalised treatment plans are necessary for comprehensive care for your condition. Book your appointment today to ensure proper health and wellbeing.

FAQs

  1. Is Herpes Simplex Virus genetic?

HSV is not genetic, but HSV transmission may occur through direct contact with an infected individual.

  1. What problems occur from HSV infection?

HSV infection may lead to health issues like genital herpes, oral herpes, ocular herpes or eye infections, blister, cold sores, and neonatal herpes or encephalitis in rare cases.

  1. Can one be born with HSV?

No child is born with HSV, but a newborn baby has chances of acquiring the virus during the delivery if the mother has an active HSV infection.

  1. Are herpes simplex and shingles viruses the same?

No, herpes and shingles are two different conditions caused by two separate viruses. While HSV is responsible for oral or genital herpes, shingles occurs due to infection by varicella-zoster virus.

  1. What risks are associated with the Herpes Simplex Virus?

Engaging in sexual activity with multiple partner, having unprotected sex, exposure to infected persons, or having a low immunity – all these can make you more prone to risks of HSV infection.

  1. What are the signs of type 2 Herpes Simplex Virus?

From painful blisters or sores in the anal or genital area to flu like symptoms, or an itchy and burning sensation, all make up the common signs of HSV-2.

  1. Does Herpes Simplex Virus go away permanently?

HSV does not have a permanent cure and remains dormant in the body. Proper treatment can help manage the risks and reduce outbreaks.

  1. Can HSV cause cancer?

HSV is not directly responsible for causing cancer. However, co-infection of HSV with other viruses like HPV might lead to risks of cancer. 

  1. Does fever occur due to HSV infection?

Yes, fever is one of the most common symptoms of HSV infection. It might occur during your initial outbreak as well as during severe recurrences of the infection.