Herpes is Forever

Herpes is forever. Here are some facts to remember:

You always know when you have genital herpes because you have lesions

Fact: Genital herpes affects different people in different ways - some people may have lesions or ulcerations but others may show no symptoms at all. Only 20 per cent of people affected by genital herpes have recognised infection, 60 per cent have unrecognised symptoms and a further 20 per cent have completely asymptomatic infection (no symptoms present).

Genital herpes can only be transmitted via intercourse

Fact: Transmission of genital herpes is most likely to occur during vaginal intercourse, oral or anal sex. The majority of transmissions occur when herpes blisters or sores are not present.

Cold sores cannot turn into genital herpes via oral sex

Fact: Most type 1 genital herpes is caused by unprotected oral sex. The type 1 herpes virus can be spread through oral sex-what was a cold sore on your partner will develop as genital herpes in you. It is important to use barrier protection such as latex condoms during oral sex. (Please see your doctor for alternative barrier methods if you're allergic to latex.)

When you get genital herpes, you can never have sex again

Fact: While you should always use a condom for extra protection, you can still have sex if you have genital herpes. But it is important to avoid sexual contact if you have any sores (oral or genital) or symptoms. Also, even if sores are not present, you could still be contagious because of asymptomatic viral shedding (you don't have any signs or symptoms but the virus is present on the skin). Even when you are asymptomatic, you should use a condom for extra protection. (Please see your doctor for alternative barrier methods if you're allergic to latex.)

I can never have children if I get GH

Fact: If you are not having an outbreak during the birth, there is generally no virus present in the birth canal to infect the baby. It is, however, possible that a newborn baby can be infected with the herpes virus if your infection is active at the time of birth. In rare cases, this is avoided by performing a caesarean section to reduce the contact between the infection and the baby. Please talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant.

If you are in a monogamous relationship and get genital herpes, your partner must be cheating on you.

Fact: The fact that your partner has been diagnosed with genital herpes does not necessarily mean he or she has been unfaithful to you. Genital herpes outbreaks can occur with very mild symptoms that go unnoticed. You or your partner may have contracted the disease from a sexual partner a long time ago or your partner may have genital herpes without knowing it. You may want to consider having an open, honest conversation with your partner about your diagnosis without making any assumptions. Learn more about transmission and talking to your partner.

Genital herpes cannot be treated

Fact: Genital herpes is a common virus affecting one in 8 Australian adults. However, only 20 per cent of people affected with genital herpes have recognised infection, 60 per cent have unrecognised symptoms and a further 20 per cent have completely asymptomatic infection (no symptoms present).

National Herpes Day is being held on the 13th October, with the focus on genital herpes

For accurate, up-to-date information, education and support on herpes, contact the Australian Herpes Management Forum (AHMF) on 02 8230 3843 . www.ahmf.com.auRelated articles:
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