• Highlights
• Introduction
• Symptoms
• Transmission
• Risk Factors
• Complications
• Diagnosis
• Similar Conditions
• Home Remedies and Prevention
• Treatment for Genital Herpes
• Treatment for Oral Herpes
• Resources
• References

Herpes simplex

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of herpes simplex.

Alternative Names

Genital herpes; Fever blisters; Cold sores

Highlights

Herpes Simplex Virus Trends

According to a 2006 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association ( JAMA ), the prevalence of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is declining. Researchers compared U.S. survey data taken from 1988 - 1994 and 1999 - 2004. The results showed that between 1988 and 2004:

• The prevalence of HSV-1, the main cause of oral herpes, decreased by 6.9%
• The prevalence of HSV-2, the main cause of genital herpes, decreased by 19%

Genital Herpes Trends

HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes. HSV-1 is the main cause of oral herpes (cold sores), but it also causes a small percentage of genital herpes infections. The same JAMA study found that while the prevalence of HSV-1 is decreasing, this virus may be causing more cases of genital herpes. The percentage of people who had genital herpes and tested positive for HSV-1, but not HSV-2, increased by 350% from 1988 - 2004.

Condom Use and Genital Herpes Prevention

Consistent use of condoms can significantly reduce the risk of genital herpes infection, according to a 2005 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine .

Treatment for Pregnant Women with Herpes

Pregnant women who have active genital herpes at the time of delivery can pass the virus on to their infants. To help protect the baby, a Caesarean section is usually recommended. New studies show that taking the anti-viral drug valacyclovir (Valtrex) during the last trimester of pregnancy may prevent herpes outbreaks and viral shedding, and help women avoid a Caesarean section. Other studies have found that a similar drug, acyclovir (Zovirax), also works well for pregnant women infected with herpes.

Famvir Approved as Single-Day Drug Treatment

In 2006, famiciclovir (Famvir) was approved as the first one-day treatment for healthy people with recurrent genital herpes. The FDA also approved famiciclovir as a single-dose treatment for oral herpes.

• Review Date: 10/1/2006
• Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.