Genital Herpes

GENITAL HERPES/HERPES SIMPLEX 2
(just one of the sexually transmitted diseases)

TRANSMISSION:

• the disease can be given to your partner even when you do not have symptoms (70%)
• occurs most effectively when you have symptoms

PREVALENCE:

• 21.9% of the people in the United States with evidence of prior infection
• Rate of herpes simplex 2 infection increases with an increase in the number of sexual partners
• Increased in African-Americans at baseline

WAYS TO DECREASE TRANSMISSION:

1. Limit the number of sexual partners.
2. Always use condoms.
3. Avoid high risk situations such as alcohol and drugs.
4. Alternate ways to express sexuality.

GOALS OF TREATMENT:

1. Decrease the quantity of virus shed during each particular episode.
2. Decrease the number days virus is present in the genital tract.

Please see your physician/health care provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH GENITAL HERPES

1. American Social Health Association (ASHA) patient herpes hotline 919-361-8488 or www.ashastd.org/herpes/hrc/index.html
2. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) Herpes Hotline 800-227-8922 or www.cdc.gov
3. ASHA for booklets, books, handouts: The Helper 800-230-6039
   "Meeting the Physical and Emotional Challenges of Genital Herpes" supported through educational grant from Glaxo Wellcome.
   Camille J. Dyer, MS, PA-C