Herpes
Herpes is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. Type 1 herpes is usually associated with oral herpes (cold sores), and type 2 with genital herpes, but the transmission of both types can occur either on the mouth or genitals.
Although very common, herpes, especially genital herpes, is poorly understood and highly stigmatized. Many people living with an infection experience a lot of shame and are afraid to disclose their status to their partner(s). That said, know that if you live with herpes, you are far from alone: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2 out of 3 people live with herpes type 1 (whether on the mouth or genitals) and 1 out of 8 people live with herpes type 2 (on the genitals).
While herpes is not life threatening, a herpes diagnosis can impact your self-esteem. Do not hesitate to talk to us about herpes if you ever feel the need.
For more information and support, visit Info Herpès.
How is it transmitted?
The virus is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area. Therefore, there is a risk of transmission during oral, anal, and vaginal sexual activity, nonpenetrative genital contact, and via sharing sex toys. There is also a risk of transmission during childbirth.
The risk of transmission is greatest when lesions are present, but there is also a risk during periods of asymptomatic shedding. Three conditions are necessary for transmission to occur:
- Presence of active virus on the surface of the skin or mucous membrane of a carrier
- Presence of an entry point (lesion, wound, irritation, cut, etc.) for the virus to penetrate the skin or mucous membrane of a person who is not a carrier
- Direct contact between these two surfaces
Although the virus can survive on surfaces from a few hours to a few days, the risk of transmission through everyday activities such as sharing the same glass, using the same toilet, or shaking hands remains very low, if not nonexistent.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms, when present, occur at or near the site of infection. Sores may therefore appear around the eyes, nose, or buttocks, for example.
A person who contracts herpes will experience a first episode, called primary infection, during which symptoms are more intense. Afterwards, the person will experience recurrent flare-ups that generally decrease in intensity and frequency over time.
1. Primary infection
The first flare-up occurs on average 6 days after infection and lasts on average between 1 and 3 weeks without treatment. The main symptoms are small blisters around the mouth or genitals that turn into painful ulcers and flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, fatigue, body aches). This episode is considered to be the longest and most intense.
2. Recurrent flare-ups
The duration and intensity of symptoms vary widely from one person to another, but they tend to decrease over time. A person may also experience prodromes, that is, small warning signs that occur 24 to 48 hours before the appearance of sores.
3. Episodes of asymptomatic shedding
Even if they are asymptomatic, these episodes are contagious, which means that the virus is “strong” enough to reach the surface of the skin and be transmitted, but not strong enough to cause lesions. These asymptomatic periods can occur between recurrent episodes without the person knowing.
Herpes rarely causes complications, but when it does, they can be quite serious, such as encephalitis or meningitis.
Is it treatable?
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for herpes. However, the good news is that there are antiviral drugs that can reduce the intensity, and potentially the frequency, of symptoms. Depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms, a person may take antivirals continuously or on demand.
If a person does not take any treatment to lessen symptoms, recurring episodes might be longer, more painful, and more frequent.
The information on this website is presented for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subjects covered or to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. This information does not constitute medical consultations, diagnoses, or opinions, and should therefore not be interpreted as such. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your medical condition, medications, or treatment.
