Herpes

How common is herpes

How common is herpes?
Millions of Americans have herpes, either as genital herpes, or as cold sores. The main difference is where it appears on the body. It has been estimated that approximately 45 million Americans over 14 have genital herpes, and the CDC estimates that approximately 1 million people are infected each year. And millions more have cold sores.

Who is most susceptible to herpes

Who is most susceptible to herpes?
Anyone who is sexually active, including any vaginal, oral, or anal contact, can get genital herpes. But most people with genital herpes never recognize the signs of infection or don't have symptoms at all. So there are lots of people who have herpes and don't even know it.

Can I spread genital herpes even when I'm not having an outbreak

Can I spread genital herpes even when I'm not having an outbreak?
Yes. The genital herpes virus can still be spread through the skin although there are no visible signs of an outbreak. This is called asymptomatic viral shedding. One study estimated that up to 70% of people may have gotten genital herpes from an infected partner when no signs or symptoms were present. And since the symptoms are not always obvious, as many as nine out of ten people who have genital herpes don't even know they're infected.

How can I reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus

How can I reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus?
VALTREX is the first and only herpes medication clinically proven to significantly reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to a partner. Safer sex practices should be used with daily therapy. Always practice safer sex, even if you've been in the same relationship for a very long time. Condoms can help reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus. However, it is possible to spread the virus even when you use condoms because they may not cover all the areas where the herpes virus is active.

Am I at increased risk of catching other sexually transmitted diseases (STDS)

Am I at increased risk of catching other sexually transmitted diseases (STDS)?
Studies suggest that people who have genital herpes are at a higher risk for contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. So it's important to take every precaution to protect yourself and your partner.

How do I tell a partner that I have genital herpes

How do I tell a partner that I have genital herpes?
Telling a partner isn't easy, but it is necessary. Many people carefully plan a time and place to have the conversation. Talking to a partner about sexual history works best when both individuals are feeling good, are relaxed, and can devote their full attention to the conversation. The place should be private. It could be your own home or a quiet outdoor setting — anywhere that's relatively free of interruptions.

Overall, be positive and confident. People tend to behave the way you expect them to behave, and a gloomy presentation may well increase the chance of a gloomy response. Expect that your partner will be accepting and supportive. You are doing the right thing for both of you. Hopefully, your partner will react well. After all, you trust him or her enough to share a confidence that you probably wouldn't share with just anybody. Most people respect that. So when you talk to someone about genital herpes and safer sex, pat yourself on the back. You have confronted a difficult issue in your life with courage and consideration.

How can my partner find out if he or she has genital herpes

How can my partner find out if he or she has genital herpes?
You should be open to the possibility that your partner may also have genital herpes. Up to 90% of people who are infected with HSV-2 are unaware of it because symptoms can be subtle or not present. Encourage your partner to speak to his or her healthcare provider. It's far better to know what you're dealing with so you can reduce the risk of spreading the herpes virus to others.

I use creams or ointments to treat genital herpes. Is there another treatment

I use creams or ointments to treat genital herpes. Is there another treatment?
Yes. Your doctor can prescribe a pill called VALTREX that is approved to treat genital herpes. You can use VALTREX to reduce the number of outbreaks you get. Ask your doctor if VALTREX is right for you.

What could happen if I have genital herpes and don't know it

What could happen if I have genital herpes and don't know it?
You could pass it on to a partner. Or, if your partner has herpes and doesn't know it, he or she could pass it to you.

If I am pregnant and have genital herpes, will I transmit it to the baby

If I am pregnant and have genital herpes, will I transmit it to the baby?
Women with genital herpes can have healthy babies. If you are infected with genital herpes, it is possible to transmit the infection to your baby. You are at the greatest risk of transmitting herpes if you become infected during pregnancy. Therefore, it is particularly important to take appropriate precautions to prevent becoming infected during pregnancy, particularly if your partner has genital herpes and you don't. It is strongly recommended that pregnant women who suspect that they may have genital herpes discuss this with their doctor or healthcare provider because there are precautions that can be taken to help protect the baby from infection.

If I think I have genital herpes, what should I do

If I think I have genital herpes, what should I do?
You should talk openly and honestly to your doctor or healthcare provider. Remember, up to 90% of people who are infected with HSV-2 don't know it mainly because the symptoms can often be mistaken for other things. Ask for a blood test that can determine if you have HSV-2.

Is there an increased risk of catching other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) if I have genital herpes

Is there an increased risk of catching other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) if I have genital herpes?
Studies suggest that being infected with GH may increase the likelihood of contracting other STDs. In fact, having genital herpes may double the risk of acquiring HIV. You and your partner should get tested for all types of STDs and continue to practice safer sex.

If I request an HIV test or a screening test for sexually transmitted diseases, am I getting screened for genital herpes

If I request an HIV test or a screening test for sexually transmitted diseases, am I getting screened for genital herpes?
Probably not. When healthcare providers test for sexually transmitted diseases or HIV they often do not test for genital herpes. So, you should ask specifically to be tested for genital herpes. The HerpesSelect* and biokitHSV-2 Rapid test are two FDA-approved laboratory blood tests designed to detect if you have genital herpes (HSV2).

Do the tests I get at routine check-ups (for example, pap smears) screen for genital herpes

Do the tests I get at routine check-ups (for example, pap smears) screen for genital herpes?
No. Tests that you get at routine check-ups, such as pap smears, do not screen for genital herpes. So, you should ask specifically to be tested for genital herpes. The HerpesSelect* and biokitHSV-2 Rapid test are two FDA-approved laboratory blood tests designed to detect if you have genital herpes (HSV2).

*HerpeSelect is a registered trademark of Focus Technologies.

biokitHSV-2 Rapid Test is owned by biokit. GlaxoSmithKline has no financial interest in these tests.