The herpes simplex virus is widely stigmatized because it is a sexually transmitted infection. HSV causes genital and oral herpes resulting in pain, itching, blisters, and ulcers.

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Symptoms of Herpes

The main symptom of the herpes virus is an outbreak of sores or blisters around the mouth, rectum, or genitals. When these fluid-filled blisters break or pop, they leave painful open sores that may take over a week to heal.

When a person experiences a herpes outbreak for the first time, they may also notice muscle or body aches, fever, and swollen glands.

Some people have repeat outbreaks, especially if they carry the HSV-2 virus. Repeat outbreaks are often less severe than the initial infection. When someone contracts genital herpes, the infection may last for the rest of their life. However, they may also experience a decrease in outbreaks as time goes by.

Herpes Causes

Whenever HSV is present on the skin, it can be passed between people if there is contact with the mouth and genitals. HSV is not contracted by touching objects like wash basins or kitchen counters.

HSV is typically caused by having sex with an infected person without using protection or sharing intimate objects while having sex. Oral sex is another cause of herpes.

In general, those who contract genital herpes also have a higher risk of contracting HIV. The sores caused by HSV diminish the body’s defense against HIV infection.

How to Diagnose Herpes

Because of the stigma surrounding HSV, many people tend to Google their symptoms to find out how to diagnose herpes. However, it is crucial to have a doctor make the diagnosis because the symptoms of herpes can be similar to that of syphilis which requires a different course of treatment.

Doctors typically ask patients about their sexual history and may take a sample from a blister that hasn’t yet opened. The sample will be tested in a laboratory to determine whether HSV is the cause of the blisters and whether it is HSV-1 or HSV-2.

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Herpes Treatment

There is no cure for the herpes virus, which means that treatment will only relieve symptoms. Herpes treatment includes antiviral pills to help sores heal faster and decrease the rate of recurrent outbreaks. Antiviral medication may also help reduce the spread of the virus to others.

Preventing Herpes

The following steps may help prevent herpes:

  • Always wearing a condom during sexual intercourse
  • Asking a sexual partner whether they have an STD or had one in the past
  • Limiting sexual partners to one
  • Not having sex with anyone who has visible sores and blisters
  • Not engaging in oral sex or having sex while intoxicated
  • Considering other forms of intimacy

If an individual is already infected, they may need to take daily antiviral medication to help prevent the spread of the virus to their partner.

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care

Visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care for Herpes Treatment

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is the only health system in Hamilton County offering ER and urgent care services under one roof. Unlike most ER or urgent care centers, patients are only billed for the level of services they need. The ER is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The urgent care center is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. No appointments are not necessary for in-person visits; however, pre-registration is available.

Riverview Health Emergency Room Urgent Care has five convenient locations: