The Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV, is a viral infection, that once contracted cannot be cured. It can be effectively controlled, though, via a number of prescription topicals and ointments, and under the direction of a physician. HSV resides, dormant, in the spinal nerves. When the disease is contracted, it becomes intermingled in your DNA.

Signs and Symptoms

Many people live for years with a dormant form of HSV, especially Type 1. An outbreak of HSV is precluded by some factors that lead to the immune system becoming suppressed. Such factors might include stress, menstruation, overexposure to the sun, or a period of physical illness, to name just a few. The bundled nerves along the spine become inflamed and send signals out to the skin’s nerve endings. Dermatomes on the surface of the skin react by exhibiting the rash-like sores at the area of the outbreak. Tingling, burning, or itching usually occurs just before a flare-up in the area of outbreak. This is called the “prodrome” phase. Typically, we tend to think of herpes in one of two ways: the oral kind, or the genital kind.

How It Is Contracted

HSV is contracted through sexual contact, or contact with the body fluids of a person most likely suffering an outbreak. Fever blisters and cold sores- what we think of as Type 1 HSV- can be passed by sharing utensils or drink glasses, or kissing. However, pregnant mothers can give it to their unborn children at childbirth and those with HIV and other immuno-compromised illnesses can contract it due to the weaknening of their immune systems.

Type 1

Type 1 HSV is usually what we think of as the “oral kind” of herpes. Cold sores or fever blisters occasionally appear around the mouth or on the lips and are the most common form the Type 1 infection seems to take. However it is important to realize that Type 1 viral outbreaks can also occur on other parts of the body, including the genitals.

Because HSV is a sexually transmitted disease, sexual contact of any kind, even kissing, can transmit the condition. Type 1 HSV is much more common than one would think. In fact, many physicians believe that most humans generally carry a Type 1, although most might never experience an outbreak.

Type 2

Type 2 HSV is generally referred to as the “genital kind.” However, Type 2 outbreaks can also occur orally or in tandem with a genital outbreak. Genital herpes outbreaks affect people with varying frequency. Some experience outbreaks frequently, while others perhaps only once a year. Studies have shown that most people with Type 2 HSV will typically suffer an outbreak at least 3-4 times a year.

Diagnosing HSV

Typical tests physicians will use to test a patient for HSV are the Tzanck test, a fluid culture, and a blood test.