Herpes

Herpes infection in babies is called neonatal herpes. This type of infection occurs in newborns and is caused by the herpes simplex virus (also known as human herpes virus). Although both herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1, also known as HHV1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2, also known as HHV2) can both cause neonatal herpes, most cases are caused by HSV2.

The herpes family of viruses includes 8 different viruses that affect human beings. The viruses are known by numbers as human herpes virus 1 through 8 (HHV1 - HHV8). Human herpes virus 1 Human herpes virus 1 (HHV1) is also known as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1). It is typically the cause of cold sores around the mouth.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).

Genital herpes cannot be cured, but it can be treated. Antiviral medications are available to help reduce the symptoms of genital herpes and decrease the number of recurrences. These antiviral medications include acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. Valacyclovir can also be used to reduce the risk of transmitting herpes to your sex partner(s).

The virus that causes genital herpes can be spread when it is active in the body. Some people have symptoms, such as herpes blisters, when the virus is active. These blisters are usually on the genitals but can be in the mouth and other areas of the body as well, such as the thighs, buttocks, and anal area.

Herpes is passed on only when it is active on the skin. There is a risk that the virus may be active even though there are no noticeable symptoms, such as blisters or sores. In one study, 70% of transmissions occurred when the person had no symptoms. For herpes to move from one person to another, one person must have herpes and the other person must be susceptible (not have that type of herpes).

How do I know if I have herpes? It is difficult to paint a single picture of what herpes infection is like. The symptoms depend not only on the severity of infection but also on its site. For the most part, herpes simplex prefers mucous membranes, where the skin is thin. These include areas like the labia (lips) of the vagina and the lips of the mouth.

Clarity, honesty, and assertiveness without apology are the keys to discussing herpes with a new sexual partner-to-be. There is a lot of advice around about herpes discussions. Generally, it is agreed that herpes should be put into perspective, not made more or less of than it is. Remember that your own overall feeling about this infection will come through strongly when you tell your lover-to-be.

Herpes is an extremely common virus infection able to cause a recurrent skin infection that can appear in its different types as small blisters on the genitals or as cold sores on the mouth. It may also appear on other areas of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks, or anal area. People most often remain totally unaware that they have this infection.

2 types of herpes As a general rule, herpes simplex is herpes simplex. But there are 2 types of herpes simplex: type 1 and type 2. Usually, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes oral (mouth), lip, and facial herpes, while herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes. However, type 1 may cause genital herpes and type 2 may cause oral herpes.

Just as the symptoms of genital herpes vary with the location of the infection, so do the signs of neonatal herpes. In some unusual cases, herpes is already present at birth. Since infection usually begins at the time of birth, however, it typically takes several days to a couple of weeks to become evident.

Learn more about roseola, a contagious viral illness common among very young children.