Herpes simplex is a virus that occurs in one of two forms herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2).

Unlike many other viruses, once you get infected, it stays with you for life. It travels along nerve pathways and is able to hide in the nerve roots for long periods of time without exhibiting symptoms, yet reemerge from time to time.

It causes "cold sores" or "fever blisters" on the mouth or face (oral herpes) or similar symptoms in the genital area (genital herpes).

Initial symptoms will occur within 2 weeks of the initial infection. But the first episode can be so mild that the the person is unaware of it. Some people have such light symptoms that they fail to recognize the infection for years.

The virus can also become active without the carrier being aware of it (called asymptomatic shedding and subclinical shedding.)

• Symptoms Include:
  • Breaks or irregularities in the skin, such as a cut, rash or red bump
  • small pimples, sores or blisters that form a crust that crusts over and scab, like a cut or abrasion
  • skin lesions that appear to be: abrasions or razor burn, hemorrhoids, ingrown hair follicles, insect bites, jock itch, yeast infections
  • in the early phase of a episode, some people may feel an itching, tingling or painful feeling in the area where the lesions will develop (called "prodome") a day or two before the outbreak.

The factors that trigger herpes are poorly understood and are unique to the individual. Sunlight is a frequent trigger for oral herpes. Surgical trauma and excessive friction in the genital area can trigger genital herpes.

Herpes is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact. You can get it from kissing, conventional sex or oral sex (from a cold sore in the mouth to your partner's genitals)

The two most accurate tests for herpes are Meridian's Premier® test and Diagnology's POCkit (which can be done in a doctor's office)

Herpes has no cure, but there are relatively safe drugs that can control it: Acyclovir, Valacyclovir and Famciclovir.

The risk of transmission of herpes to a sexual partner can be controlled to a large degree, but the risk can never be totally eliminated.

20-25 percent of the population (including 20-25 percent of pregnant women have genital herpes). Still less than 0.1 percent of babies get neonatal herpes. Most mothers with herpes have even have normal vaginal deliveries. The greatest risk to the baby is when the herpes is contracted during the pregnancy.

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