HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS
PROBLEM
You may experience oral or genital bumps or blister-like lesions (often painful), burning, itching, sensation of pressure, painful urination, painful lymph nodes (bumps along underwear line), flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, muscle aches, tired feeling).
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is very common. There are two types of the herpes virus. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is oral herpes and type 2 (HSV-2) is genital herpes. HSV-1 can result in cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. Oral herpes can spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex and cause genital outbreaks. Genital ulcerative disease is also transmitted through vaginal sex and anal sex with a partner who has the disease.
CAUSE
A.The HSV is spread by direct contact with the secretions of someone who has the virus.
B.Viruses cannot be cured, but the problems or symptoms caused by them can often be managed with medication.
C.It is possible for someone to have HSV and have no symptoms. The first outbreak after contact with an infected individual usually occurs within 2 to 10 days, but it may take up to 3 weeks.
D.More severe symptoms are experienced with the first outbreak of HSV. The symptoms usually peak 4 to 5 days after the onset of infection and resolve after 2 to 3 weeks without medication.
E.Medication may decrease the severity and duration of the symptoms. Recurrent outbreaks usually last 5 to 7 days.
F.The virus may be spread even when symptoms are not present. This is known as viral shedding. Medication may also decrease the time of viral shedding.
G.Often, individuals with HSV feel localized genital pain or tingling or shooting pains in the legs, hips, or buttocks at the site hours to days (24–48 hours) prior to an outbreak. This is known as prodrome.
H.Sexual activity should be avoided during this time of the prodrome and until any outbreak resolves completely because the viral shedding is occurring, which means the infection may be spread.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Although it is hard to do, it is important to talk with your current/future partners about having herpes.
B.Avoid sexual activity when lesions are present or when you feel the prodrome.
C.Use condoms with sexual activity.
D.Limit sexual partners.
E.Do not use any creams, lotions, or powders on lesions unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
F.If urination is painful, pour water over the genital area while urinating.
G.Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and making any contact with the lesion.
H.Pat dry the affected area thoroughly; use a different portion of a towel and do not dry other body parts with the same towel. Do not share towels.
I.If you are pregnant at any time, notify your provider of your diagnosis of herpes to allow the provider to treat you accordingly prior to delivery to prevent spreading the herpes infection to your baby.
Activity: Triggers for an outbreak include stress, illness, and even menstruation. Exercise may help with keeping your stress level down.
Diet: There is no special diet.
Medications:
A.Antiviral medications are used to suppress the virus. They do not cure it, but do decrease the frequency and severity of viral outbreaks as well as decrease the likelihood of transmission to a partner who has not been exposed to the virus.
B.The medications need to be taken the first time you have an outbreak and may be given again where other outbreaks occur, or you may choose to take medications daily to keep the virus suppressed.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Call the Office If:
A.You are unable to empty your bladder when you have an outbreak.
B.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE