Herpes virus FAQs

1. What is Herpes?
2. What are the symptoms of genital herpes, shingles or cold sores?
3. How is herpes contracted?
4. What causes shingles, cold sores and genital herpes?
5. Is herpes contagious?
6. Can herpes be passed onto others through sexual encounters?
7. Is there a cure for herpes?
8. What medications are available to treat the virus?
9. How does herpes affect my pregnancy?
10. How frequent will outbreaks occur?

What is Herpes?

Herpes is an infectious virus, usually transmitted through sexual activity, responsible for causing shingles, cold sores and genital herpes. The virus, once contracted, stays in the body indefinitely and usually in a dormant state. But will become active again at certain points causing outbreaks and presentable symptoms. There are two key strains, one being the herpes zoster virus which causes chickenpox and potentially shingles, and then the herpes simplex strain with causes genital herpes and cold sores.

What are the symptoms of genital herpes, shingles or cold sores?

Symptoms of the individual herpes outbreak will depend on the strain that has been contracted. Shingles are identifiable by a preceding tingling sensation of the skin before a rash develops, similarly to cold sores, but genital herpes displays red sores around the genital area. A doctor would be able to confirm which strain is present.

How is herpes contracted?

Herpes is usually transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, particularly the strain that cause genital herpes. The strain that can cause cold sores can be contracted even easier through simply skin contact in the area of infection. Caution should be taken if you suspect you have been infected with any strain of herpes.

What causes shingles, cold sores and genital herpes?

Each condition is caused by a strain of the herpes virus. Cold sores and genital herpes are caused by the herpes simplex strain where shingles is caused by the herpes zoster strain.

Is herpes contagious?

Herpes is very contagious in general but there are also times when the infection will be more easily contracted, especially right before and after the outbreaks.

Can herpes be passed onto others through sexual encounters?

Unprotected sexual activity always creates the possibility of contracting or spreading infections. Protection such as condoms should be used to avoid the chance of becoming infected especially an infection like herpes which can be passed relatively easy from one person to another.

Is there a cure for herpes?

Unfortunately there is no cure for herpes, once contracted it will remain in the system indefinitely. However, symptoms and outbreaks can be managed effectively with prescription treatments that reduce the severity of the effects and decrease the amount of time it takes to recover.

What medications are available to treat the virus?

Yes. Aciclovir, Valtrex and Famvir are all effective treatments to help alleviate symptoms of herpes and reduce the time it takes the immune system to cope with the outbreak. This makes each outbreak shorter and less uncomfortable.

How does herpes affect my pregnancy?

The herpes virus may present a health risk to your baby and it is important that you inform your doctor about the condition if you have fallen pregnant. He or she will be able to provide you with precautionary measures to protect the health of the unborn child.

How frequent will outbreaks occur?

The frequency of the outbreaks of each strain will depend entirely on the individual. Generally they appear once or twice during the year, but this may be higher for certain people.