Leslie Guntharp by Leslie Guntharp

Genital Herpes

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-25 19:26:31 UTC

Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. There are two types, HSV Type 1 and HSV Type 2. Type 1 causes mouth sores as pictured.Testing for HSV is done by swabbing active lesions or by a blood test.

Symtpoms of HSV

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-25 19:36:06 UTC

Some people experience mild to no symptoms. Symptoms can occur anywhere from 2 to 12 days after exposure. List of symptoms include: pain, itching, soreness around the genitals or mouth, and painful urination.

Effects on Newborns

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-25 19:50:24 UTC

Mothers can pass HSV to their babies and are at greater risk if the mother is infected during the third trimester. The baby is exposed while passing through the birth canal. Symptoms in the baby will occur in the first month of life and include: localized skin infections, encephalitis, and disseminated herpes infection. The latter can affect function of the brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys. If left untreated, these symptoms can be fatal.

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-25 19:59:16 UTC

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-25 20:08:24 UTC

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-25 20:13:15 UTC

Microscopic view of HSV

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-25 20:14:49 UTC

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HSV 2 cluster

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-25 20:16:17 UTC

HSV on mouth

Long Term Effects

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-25 20:20:25 UTC

Genital herpes has no cure, only treatment, to manage symptoms which means outbreaks can still occur putting one at a higher risk for contracting other STIs. Patients on antiviral medication can live normal lives.

Treatment

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-25 20:26:56 UTC

Genital herpes is treated with antiviral medications that will lower the frequency and severity of recurrent outbreaks. There is currently no cure for this virus.

lsguntharp01_ — 2023-11-26 00:47:57 UTC