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More than just a coldsore. Do you have herpes?
More than just a coldsore. Do you have herpes?
Genital herpes is believed to affect one in eight sexually active people in Australia with up to 70 per cent of unaware that they are infected
Friday 17 October is National Herpes Awareness Day.
Hunter New England Health Director of Sexual Health Dr Treeny Ooi advises that if you have genital symptoms you should see your doctor.
“Herpes affects different people in different ways. Following exposure to herpes, some people will develop painful, tingling or itchy blisters on
the genitals and they may have flu-like symptoms.”
“Most people who have herpes are not aware. They may have genital itching, burning, or cracks in the skin and put it down to something
else.”
The herpes virus is passed from one person to another by direct skin to skin contact with an infected person. Symptoms will generally show
between two to 30 days after exposure.
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes. Both types of herpes can occur on the genital
areas, although HSV Type 1 is commonly called a 'cold sore' and is usually found around the lips and mouth and HSV Type 2 more
commonly infects the genital and anal area.
The best way to diagnose genital herpes is by taking a swab (long cotton bud) from the sore or blister and testing it in a laboratory.
Dr Ooi said using condoms during oral sex and sexual intercourse can help prevent transmission, though condoms may not entirely cover the
affected areas so are not 100 per cent effective.
“Part of the reason that herpes infections are so common – and so easy to transmit – is that up to 60 per cent of infected people have no
symptoms, or symptoms that are not typically associated with herpes.”
“Although there is no cure for herpes, most people do not require any treatment as their symptoms are so mild. For others, pills are available
to help manage herpes.”
“If people have symptoms and suspect that they have herpes, they can visit their local sexual health clinic or GP for further information and
management,” Dr Ooi said.
To organise your check up please call the NSW Sexual Health Infoline on 1800 451 624.
Contact: Tanya Carlyle
Phone: (02) 49392602
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