International Herpes Week 2007 July 29 – August 4, 2007

Reliable tests for genital herpes are now widely available and treatments are more effective and more convenient to take than ever. This means there is every reason for anyone who thinks they may have been infected with genital herpes to seek medical advice. These are the key messages of International Herpes Week 2007, a regular awareness campaign run by the International Herpes Alliance.

Genital herpes is very common and can affect anyone who is sexually active – it is estimated that in many countries, around one in five people is infected.1 However, up to 90% of those affected have no idea that they are carrying the HSV virus.2 Genital herpes can be spread to sexual partners even when the person infected shows no symptoms. Therefore, many people transmit the disease on to other people without ever being aware of it.

Charles Ebel, Chair of the IHA, the organisation that runs International Herpes Week, highlights the importance of being tested for genital herpes: “In many cases, the only way to be sure whether you have genital herpes is to be tested. Accurate, reliable tests are now widely available in many countries via family physicians and health clinics. If you do find that you have been infected, the really good news is that treatments are more effective and simpler to take than ever and there is now data about the precautions you can take to protect partners. More and more people with genital herpes are arming themselves with the facts, taking control of their condition, and getting on with living life to the full.”

Facial herpes (cold sores) and genital herpes are caused by two closely related types of herpes simplex virus, HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is the most common strain and usually causes facial herpes, while HSV-2 is more frequently associated with genital herpes. However, cross infection between the two types of virus does occur and in some regions of the world, genital herpes infections are increasingly caused by HSV-1.3,4

Reliable and accurate tests for herpes are now widely available. Viral cultures (swabs) are recommended when visible symptoms are present and a range of blood tests can be used when no symptoms are obvious. It is important to be tested for both the HSV-1 and HSV-2 types of herpes virus. The most accurate blood tests detect IgG antibodies and can show whether a person is infected with the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus. Many older tests, particularly those that test for IgM antibodies, are less reliable. For an accurate result, it is important to wait for 3–4 months after exposure to the virus, and whenever possible, the result should be discussed with a qualified health professional in a face-to-face appointment so that any questions or concerns can be dealt with immediately.

29-year old Sophie from France describes what prompted her to get tested for genital herpes: “An ex partner told me that he had genital herpes, and although I had no signs or symptoms, I decided it would be sensible to get tested. I was really surprised when the test showed that I did have genital herpes, but I’m pleased that I found out, because I now know how to treat it if I do have symptoms and I can take precautions to reduce the risk of passing the virus on to future partners. I really appreciate my ex being honest with me – his attitude has made me realise that talking about sexual health is a normal, adult thing to do.”

Although there is no known cure for genital herpes, treatments are better than ever before. Antiviral therapy can reduce the frequency, severity and duration of outbreaks. It can be taken for a few days at the first sign of an outbreak (episodic therapy) and, in the case of famciclovir, a new single-day treatment option is now available. For those who wish to reduce the chances of further outbreaks or limit viral shedding (periods of time when the virus is present on the skin) antiviral therapy can be taken on a daily basis for a number of months or years (suppressive therapy).5 Suppressive therapy with valaciclovir has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of transmitting genital herpes to an uninfected partner, when used with safer sex practices.6 The IHA provides a wealth of information about herpes. The ‘All about herpes’ section on the website, www.herpesalliance.org, includes detailed information in a number of languages on a variety of herpes-related topics. These include: signs and symptoms; diagnosis; treatment options; talking to partners about herpes; reducing the risk of transmission; and pregnancy. Further support and information is available from health professionals and also from local support groups around the world, details of which can be found on the IHA website.

Note to editors:
The IHA is a charity dedicated to promoting information, education and support for people whose lives are affected by herpes. This year’s International Herpes Week campaign will involve the international distribution of leaflets, posters and press information. Many countries around the world will be participating in their own local events and activities with the aim of promoting important public health messages about herpes.

For further information please contact:
Gayle Sawyer, IHA Secretariat
herpes@packerforbes.com
Tel: + 44 20 8772 1551 Fax: +44 20 8 772 1552

References:
1. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES III:1988–1994)
2. American Social Health Association (ASHA). Learn about Herpes: signs and symptoms.
Downloaded from http://www.ashastd.org/herpes/herpes_learn_symptoms.cfm
3. Scoular A et al. Longitudinal study of genital infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 in Western
Scotland over 15 years. BMJ 2002; 324: 1366-1367
4. Coyle PV, O’Neill HJ, Wyatt DE, McCaughey C, Quah S, McBride MO. Emergence of herpes
simplex type 1 as the main cause of recurrent genital ulcerative disease in women in Northern
Ireland. J Clin Virol 2003 May; 27(1): 22–29
5. Managing Genital Herpes. A primary Care Toolkit. IHMF
6. Corey LC, Wald A, Patel R et al. Once-daily valacyclovir to reduce the risk of transmission of
genital herpes. N Engl J Med 2004; 350: 11–20