Herpes

Alternative names:

genital herpes; herpes simplex - genital; herpes virus 2

Prevention:

Condoms remain the best protection against acquiring genital herpes when sexually active. CORRECT and CONSISTENT use of a condom will help prevent the transmission of the disease. The use of LATEX condoms is mandatory -- animal membrane condoms should be avoided since the virus can penetrate them. The female condom has been tested and shown to successfully reduce transmission risk as well.

Otherwise, prevention is difficult due to the fact that the virus can be spread to others even when the infected person has no obvious evidence of infection. Clearly, individuals with genital herpes should avoid sexual contact when active lesions are present. In addition, individuals with known genital herpes but without current clinical symptoms should inform their partner that they have the disease. This precaution allows both parties to use barrier protection (to prevent the spread of the illness.

Pregnant women with the herpes simplex infection should receive weekly viral cultures of the cervix and external genitalia as the delivery date approaches. If the viral culture is positive for herpes, or active lesions are present at the time of delivery, a cesarean delivery (C-section) is recommended to avoid infecting the newborn.

Update Date: 05/08/00
Luis A. Diaz, Jr., M.D., Junior Assistant Resident, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Internal MedicineVeriMed Healthcare Network