Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes genital herpes. There are two virus types (HSV 1 and 2) and they can both infect the genital and anal area, and the mouth (cold sores).

HSV can get into your body through small cracks in the skin or lining of the mouth, or any genital surface.

Having sexual contact, including oral sex, with someone who has the virus can mean that HSV passes to you.

Only some people will notice symptoms when they get HSV.

If HSV has passed to your genitals or anal area, you might feel tingling, itching or stinging. You might see small, fluid-filled blisters, and these can burst to become painful ulcers (sores). Passing urine (having a wee) might cause you pain. You might feel generally unwell, a bit like you have flu.

After 1 to 2 weeks the skin sores will heal. HSV stays in the body, and you may see the sores or ulcers again in the future at the same place on your body.

A swab is taken from the skin where a blister or ulcer is. If you have no obvious blisters or ulcers, there is no routine test for HSV, but please talk to us if you have concerns.

You can use the service finder below to find a testing service near you.

Always seek help urgently if you have severe pain or if you are unable to pass urine (go for a wee).

Antiviral tablets (aciclovir) can be given from a clinic or your GP. These help to speed up the healing of any skin lesions caused by HSV.

If you don’t have any pain or discomfort, there is no need to take antiviral tablets. If you have only one or two spots, these will likely heal by themselves.

Other things you can do:

• Gently bathe the area with diluted salt water (dissolve one tablespoon of cooking salt in a washing up bowl or a bathroom sink filled with warm water and bathe the affected skin 2 to 3 times a day).
• Go for a wee in a warm bath or in the shower.
• Use simple painkillers such as paracetamol.

HSV is easily passed on when there are blisters or ulcers to see on the skin. You should avoid having sex when you have any skin sores.

HSV can still be passed when there is nothing to see on the skin. Using condoms for sex can reduce the risk of passing it on.

It is important to tell any people you have had sex with that you have HSV. Your nurse or doctor will help you work out which partners to tell and can help you tell them (if you want help with this).

First episode genital herpes before 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Women are recommended to re-start antiviral medication from week 36 until the baby is born. The woman should expect to have a normal vaginal delivery if that is what she and her midwife/obstetrician had planned.

If a woman then goes into labour before 32 weeks (six weeks premature) the baby may need to be delivered by caesarean section because there is a risk of the baby catching herpes during a normal vaginal delivery.

Your obstetrician will discuss this with you.

First episode genital herpes after 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Women are advised to continue antiviral medication until the baby is born. The baby may need to be delivered by caesarean section.

This is because there is a risk of the baby catching the virus during a normal vaginal delivery. Aciclovir, one of the treatments for herpes, is safe to use in pregnancy.

Recurrent genital herpes in pregnancy.
Having recurrent genital herpes during pregnancy does not harm the baby in any way.

Antibodies produced by the woman’s immune system against the virus offer some protection for the baby.

Doctors may advise the woman to take antiviral medication from 36 weeks of pregnancy until the baby is born, to prevent a recurrence at the time of delivery.

A woman who has a genital herpes recurrence (even if she is in labour at the time) will usually have a normal vaginal delivery.

The Herpes Viruses Association (HVA).
The HVA is a patient support group which for many years has helped and advised people with herpes infection.

HVA Helpline: 0845 123 2305 (weekdays only)
HVA e-mail: info@herpes.org.uk
HVA Website: www.herpes.org.uk

For more information; www.bashh.org/guidelines

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