Post-test education and counseling messages
- HSV-1 is the most common type of herpes infection; over half of the U.S. population has this infection.8 HSV-2 is also very common; more than 1 in 6 U.S. residents have HSV-2,8 but most do not know they have it.
- HSV-1 can be found in the oral or genital area or both, and can be transmitted to others in their oral or genital areas. Genital HSV-1 usually results in fewer recurrences than HSV-2. HSV-2 is usually found in the genital area and is usually transmitted to others in their genital area.
- Genital HSV-1 can be acquired by receiving oral sex from someone who has oral HSV-1, or less commonly by having genital-to-genital or genital-to-anal skin contact with someone who has genital HSV-1. Genital HSV-2 is usually acquired by having genital-to-genital or genital-to-anal skin contact with someone who has HSV-2.
- Most people who have genital HSV-1 and HSV-2 do not know they have the infection.1 The herpes virus can live inside the body without symptoms or signs for many years. It is difficult to know how long you have had herpes, who gave it to you, or how long they may have had it.
- Even though there may be no noticeable signs or symptoms, people with genital HSV-1 or HSV-2 may shed virus from their skin (asymptomatic viral shedding) and, as a result, can be contagious at any time.There is no easy way to know for sure when this is happening.
- Symptoms of HSV-2 may include itching or tingling, flu-like symptoms (e.g. , fever), and/or visible, sometimes painful bumps (lesions). Herpes lesions that reappear usually heal within a matter of days. Not everyone who has HSV-2 infection has symptoms they recognize.16
- The first outbreak often has the most severe symptoms because the body’s immune system has not developed a response to the virus. The outbreak may occur months to years after the initial infection.17
- There are treatment options available to reduce frequency and duration of outbreaks, asymptomatic viral shedding, and transmission to partners. Antiviral medications can be taken daily (suppressive therapy) to decrease the number of outbreaks you get and to reduce the risk of transmitting to a partner. They can also be used when an outbreak occurs (episodic therapy) to decrease the length of the outbreak. Using condoms correctly and consistently has been found to reduce transmission.4
- Asking your current and future sexual partners to get tested can let you know whether they are at-risk or whether they are already infected. If they have the same HSV that you do, each of you have natural protection against re-infection with the same type of virus and transmission between you is no longer a concern.18
- Discussing sexually transmitted infections with current and future partners has also been associated with reduced transmission, perhaps because couples can discuss safer sex practices such as using condoms also during times when there are no symptoms, and avoiding direct sexual contact during outbreaks, or if experiencing tingling sensations or other symptoms right before an outbreak (called a prodrome).19
- It is uncommon for herpes to cause problems with pregnancy. It is important, however, to talk to your clinician about your herpes diagnosis or your sex partner’s herpes diagnosis.
