Genital Herpes Simplex

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) also known as genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. An STD is an infection that is spread though sexual contact, including sexual intercourse (sex). Genital herpes causes blisters in your genital area. The blisters will open up, leak out fluid, and dry up (crust over). If you are female, your genital area includes your vagina and cervix (the bottom part of your womb). If you are male, your genital area includes your penis, testicles, and the area around them. Your genital area also includes your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body) and your anus. There are two types of genital herpes (HSV type 1 and type 2).
  
  
• Your genital herpes may be recurrent (come back) many times in your lifetime . When it returns, you may or may not have symptoms. Symptoms may last as long as a few weeks during your first infection. Other than blisters, the most common symptoms include a burning, itching, or tingling feeling in your genital area. You may also have flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, fever, sore throat, muscle weakness, and appetite loss. You may have trouble urinating and you may bleed from your genitals. Your lymph nodes (small organs that contain cells to fight germs) may swell. Although HSV remains in your body throughout your lifetime, having your infection treated will help relieve your symptoms.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Antivirals: This medicine helps stop the virus from getting worse. It may also shorten the time you have the blisters. Your caregiver will give tell you when to use this medicine. Your caregiver may also give you this medicine to help stop blisters from happening again. In this case, you may take it every day for a long time.
  
  
• Anesthesia: Your caregiver may give you medicine to put on top of the blisters called topical anesthesia. This medicine will help numb the area and help your pain.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Follow-up visit information:

Your caregiver may need to draw your blood again to check if your treatment is working. Ask your caregiver when to come back for these tests. Ask your caregiver when it is safe to have sex. Ask your caregiver when you can return to work or usual activities. Keep all appointments and write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Self care:

The following are things you can do to be more comfortable when your infection is active:

• Always wash your hands before and after touching the area of your blisters.
  
  
• Keep the blisters clean and dry. Wash them with soap and warm water, and dry gently.
  
  
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
  
  
• Wear cotton underwear.
  
  
• Putting an ice pack on your blisters may decrease pain. Always follow your caregiver's instructions on how to use an ice pack.
  
  
• Taking a warm bath may help decrease your pain.
  
  
• Avoid touching your blisters.

Preventing genital herpes:

• Avoid contact with infected skin. Do not have sexual contact if you or your partner have the infection. If you have sex, always use a latex condom. Avoid kissing if you or your partner have blisters in or around the mouth. Do not touch infected skin. Do not breastfeed if you have blisters on your breast. Be sure to carefully wash your hands after any contact with infected skin.
  
  
• Talk to your partners. Tell your partner that you have been diagnosed with genital herpes. Do not have sex with someone until they know that you have genital herpes. Ask your caregiver for ways to tell partners about your infection.
  
  
• Talk to your caregivers. Tell your other caregivers that you have genital herpes. If you are pregnant, your baby may need special monitoring. Inform your caregiver of your condition to avoid spreading the infection to your baby. You may also need to deliver your baby by cesarean section (c-section). A c-section is where your caregiver uses surgery to remove your baby from your body.
  
  
• Learn more about genital herpes. Your caregiver will talk with you about genital herpes. He will explain to you how you got the infection and what happens when you have it. You can learn more about the risks and treatment options. He will give you more information about how to prevent spreading the infection. He may also teach you ways to help cope with genital herpes.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have chills or a fever.
  
  
• You have painful blisters on your penis, vagina, anus, or mouth.
  
  
• Fluid or blood is coming out of your genitals.
  
  
• You have trouble urinating.
  
  
• You have a headache.
  
  
• Your symptoms stay the same or get worse.
  
  
• You have trouble chewing or swallowing.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You think you are pregnant and you are bleeding from your vagina.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have a seizure (convulsions).
  
  
• Your neck is stiff.
  
  
• You have trouble thinking clearly.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Genital Herpes Simplex (Aftercare Instructions)