Herpes increases risk of HIV

Over the past five years there has been alarming increase in HIV cases in Australia, particular Victoria. This concerning statistic has been intensified by recent research that draws a link between HSV & HIV.

Cairns Sexual Health Director, Dr Darren Russell believes that the tie between HIV and HSV2 is a major concern and feels that Australians need to be aware that having the herpes virus increases the risk of contracting HIV.

"This is a major finding. It's basically telling us that individuals with HSV-2, which causes genital herpes, are at greater risk of being infected with the HIV virus."

Research suggests that herpes and HIV interact to cause more efficient sexual transmission of HIV-1 and an increased rate of HIV growth when the herpes virus is active.1 This makes awareness of herpes and its transmission an important issue.

"Whilst the risk of contracting HIV is increased in people with herpes, appropriate treatment and management of herpes, in addition to standard safe sex practices, would seem to reduce the risk dramatically". This is one of the reasons why understanding genital herpes - how it is transmitted, what you can do to protect yourself and others, and what treatments are available - is important and should be part of leading a healthy sex life.

1 in 8 Australians has the virus that causes genital herpes, with 80% of those not knowing they have the virus - a key reason behind high transmission rates. People diagnosed with herpes can also pass on the disease despite having very few symptoms - or none at all.2

10 Quick Facts

1 in 8 Australians has the virus that causes genital herpes.1

80% of people infected with genital herpes don't know they have the virus.1

HSV-1 is now the causative agent of approximately one third of genital HSV infections diagnosed in Melbourne.2

More than 70% of people under the age of 20 reporting genital HSV infection are infected with HSV-1.2

Many people don't realise they have genital herpes because they either don't have symptoms or they can easily be mistaken for other STIs.1

Some symptoms of genital herpes may not be on or even near the genitals.1

Because many people with the virus have very mild symptoms - or none at all - they often don't realise they are infected and pass the virus on unknowingly.1

The virus is usually passed on when there are no symptoms (when the virus is on the surface of the skin but not visible).1

You can't catch genital herpes from a toilet seat.1

If you are in a monogamous relationship and you contract genital herpes, it does not necessarily mean your partner has been cheating on you. Often the virus can remain dormant for years before an outbreak..1

Most people who infect others don't realise they are putting their partners at risk..1

If you have herpes, there are simple and effective steps you can take to reduce the risk of passing it on. Speak to your Dr. today so you can go on enjoying your sex life.1

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References1) Australian herpes management forum, website: www.ahmf.org.au (viewed April 2007)2) Tran T, Druce JD, Catton MC et al. Changing epidemiology of genital herpes simplex virus in infection in Melbourne, Australia, between 1980 and 2003. Sex Transm Inf 200480:277-9

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