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How is herpes simplex treated?

There is currently no cure for this virus. Treatment focuses on getting rid of sores and limiting outbreaks.

It is possible that your sores will disappear without treatment. However, your doctor may determine you need one or more of the following medications:

acyclovir

famciclovir

valacyclovir

These medications can help infected individuals reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. The medications also help to lower the intensity and frequency of outbreaks. These medications may come in oral (pill) form, or may be applied as a cream. For severe outbreaks, these medications may also be administered by injection.

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How is herpes simplex diagnosed?

This type of virus is generally diagnosed with a physical exam. Your doctor may check your body for sores and ask you about some of your symptoms. Your doctor may also request HSV testing. This is known as a herpes culture. It will confirm the diagnosis if you have sores on your genitals. During this test, your doctor will take a swab sample of fluid from the sore and then send it to a laboratory for testing.

Blood tests looking for antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 can also help diagnose these infections. This is especially helpful when there are no sores present.

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Recognizing the signs of herpes simplex

It is important to understand that someone may not have visible sores or symptoms and still be infected by the virus. And they may transmit the virus to others.

Some of the symptoms associated with this virus include:

blistering sores (in the mouth or on the genitals)

pain during urination (genital herpes)

itching

You may also experience symptoms that are similar to the flu. These symptoms can include:

fever

swollen lymph nodes

headaches

tiredness

lack of appetite

HSV can also spread to the eyes, causing a condition called herpes keratitis. This can cause symptoms such as eye pain, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye.

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her·pes sim·plex

N

1. a viral infection, caused by a group of herpes viruses, that may produce cold sores, genital inflammation, or conjunctivitis.

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What causes herpes simplex?

The herpes simplex virus is a contagious virus that can be passed from person to person through direct contact. Children will often contract HSV-1 from early contact with an infected adult. They then carry the virus with them for the rest of their lives.