How Does Herpes Lead To Hiv

What Are The Types Of Herpes Infections

Herpes is a very common type of viral infection. It is caused by the following types of viruses:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 : It is generally responsible for causing cold sores or blisters around the mouth region.
• Herpes simplex virus type 2 : This type of virus usually leads to the formation of sores on the genital region.
• Herpes zoster: This virus causes shingles and chickenpox.

How Can I Make Sure I Dont Give Anyone Herpes

If you find out that you have herpes, try not to freak out. There are a few ways that you can stop it from spreading to your partners and other parts of your body.

• Talk with your doctor about taking herpes medication every day, which can lower your chances of spreading herpes.

• Dont have sex during a herpes outbreak, even with a condom. There may be sores on places the condom doesnt cover.

• Learn how to tell when an outbreak is coming, and stop having sex right when you notice these signs. You may feel a burning, itching, or tingling feeling that lets you know youre about to get sores.

• Dont have sex until your sores are totally gone, and the scabs heal and fall off.

• Dont touch your herpes sores, because you can spread the infection to other parts of your body or other people. If you touch a sore, wash your hands with soap and water right after.

• Dont wet contact lenses with spit this might spread your oral herpes to your eye.

• If you have a cold sore on your mouth, donât kiss anyone especially babies, children, or pregnant women.

• Always tell your sexual partners that you have herpes before you have sex, so you can work together to prevent it from spreading. Telling someone you have an STD can be hard, but herpes is super common and doesnt lead to serious health problems. So try not to be too embarrassed or stressed out about it.

How Can I Prevent Genital Herpes

If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting genital herpes:

• Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who does not have herpes.
• Using condoms the right way every time you have sex.

Be aware that not all herpes sores occur in areas that a condom can cover. Also, the skin can release the virus from areas that do not have a visible herpes sore. For these reasons, condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes.

If your sex partner has/have genital herpes, you can lower your risk of getting it if:

• Your partner takes an anti-herpes medicine every day. This is something your partner should discuss with his or her healthcare provider.

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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Getting Genital Herpes

If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting genital herpes:

• Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who is not infected with an STD
• Using latex condoms the right way every time you have sex.

Be aware that not all herpes sores occur in areas that are covered by a latex condom. Also, herpes virus can be released from areas of the skin that do not have a visible herpes sore. For these reasons, condoms may not fully protect you from getting herpes.

If you are in a relationship with a person known to have genital herpes, you can lower your risk of getting genital herpes if:

• Your partner takes an anti-herpes medication every day. This is something your partner should discuss with his or her doctor.

Is Herpes Infection Related To Hiv

Factually, Herpes and HIV do not occur from the same virus. Any patient infected with any of these viruses is possibly going to transmit any of these diseases to their partners. Also, patients who are infected with herpes tend to be more vulnerable to becoming infected with HIV. Moreover, people recently diagnosed to have herpes ought to be tested for the infection of HIV as well as related sexually transmitted diseases.

Due to the interaction between the HSV and the HIV, people who contract both HIV and HSV are likely to get a larger amount of HIV viral loads. Similarly, if the immune system of a person is suppressed by HIV, they have the tendency to probably and asymptomatically shed herpes simplex virus.

Individuals who are infected with both HIV infection and Herpes infection are additionally more inclined to transmit their infection to their sexual partner. The activity or replication of the herpes virus inside of the body seems to expand the viral loads of HIV . Additionally, in light of the compromising effects of HIVs on the immune system, it can bring about long-lasting or even more severe herpes outbreaks. This can result in the increased transmission of HIV since transmission is more probable during the outbreaks of herpes. Now, to treat both the HIV and herpes infection may help reduce the danger of transmission occurrence of the two infections.

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Onset Of First Outbreak

The first outbreak of oral herpes usually develops within about one to three weeks after infection. This initial outbreak may last for up to three weeks.

With genital herpes, the first outbreak usually occurs within about two to 20 days. Similar to oral herpes, the initial outbreak may last as long as three weeks.

What Are The Causes Of Herpes Infection

The various causes of herpes infection are:

• Herpes infection spreads from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact and is highly contagious.
• Touching or kissing is the main cause of HSV 1 transmission, whereas, sexual contact is the main cause of HSV 2 transmission.
• If a healthy person shares personal items like toothbrushes, utensils, spoons, etc. with an infected person, then he/she may also get infected.
• Herpes infection can also spread through the eyes.
• This infection can spread by touching the mouth sores of an infected person.
• Having sex without protection can lead to herpes infection of the genitals.

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Hiv And Stds Are Spread In The Same Ways

You can get HIV or an STD by having sex without a condom with a person who is already infected. HIV and some STDs can be passed from a mother to her baby while she is pregnant, during birth or through breast feeding. HIV and some STDs can also be spread by sharing drug works with someone who has HIV or an STD.

Subgroup And Sensitivity Analyses

Because most results could not be pooled in meta-analyses, quantitative subgroup and sensitivity analyses were not performed, and there were not enough studies available to provide meaningful subgroup analyses based on prespecified criteria . No studies examined the impact of HSV-1 co-infection. Restricting the review to studies at low risk of bias left only three studies, which collectively described a lack of association between HSV-2 seropositivity and either HIV viral load or CD4 count , but a positive association between laboratory confirmed presence of genital HSV-2 and increased plasma viral load .

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Stds Can Increase The Risk Of Spreading Hiv

People with HIV are more likely to shed HIV when they have urethritis or a genital ulcer.4, 5 When a person with HIV gets another STD, such as gonorrhea or syphilis, it suggests that they were having sex without using condoms. If so, they may have spread HIV to their partners. Antiretroviral treatment for HIV can prevent the transmission of HIV even from persons who have other STDs.6

How Can Herpes Be Prevented

Correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of transmitting or acquiring genital herpes because herpes virus shedding can occur in areas that are not covered by a condom.25,26

The surest way to avoid transmission of STDs, including genital herpes, is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for STDs and is known to be uninfected.

Persons with herpes should abstain from sexual activity with partners when herpes lesions or other symptoms of herpes are present. It is important to know that even if a person does not have any symptoms, he or she can still infect sex partners. Sex partners of infected persons should be advised that they may become infected and they should use condoms to reduce the risk. Sex partners can seek testing to determine if they are infected with HSV.

Daily treatment with valacyclovir decreases the rate of HSV-2 transmission in discordant, heterosexual couples in which the source partner has a history of genital HSV-2 infection. 27 Such couples should be encouraged to consider suppressive antiviral therapy as part of a strategy to prevent transmission, in addition to consistent condom use and avoidance of sexual activity during recurrences.

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Are Herpes And Hiv The Same Thing

Both Herpes and HIV share similar symptoms and transmission ways but they are completely different. HIV is more of flu-like symptoms in the initial phases and followed by no symptoms and then final stages arrive with more severe signs like weight loss, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms, on the other hand, Herpes is painless and appears as warts around the genitals and the mouth which can lead to health complications like cancers.

Now, which is more common? Is it Herpes or HIV? Well, Herpes STD seems to be more common than HIV. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , nearly every sexually active person having more than one sex partner will contract an STD like Herpes or HIV at least once in their lifetime.

How Do I Talk With People About Having Herpes

It might feel scary to admit you have herpes, but talking about things can really ease your mind. You could lean on a close, non-judgmental friend that you trust to keep the conversation private. Parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, and other family members can also be a source of comfort. Remember, herpes is really common, so its possible the person youre talking to has herpes, too.

There are a lot of online support groups for people who have herpes, and the American Sexual Health Association has a list of support groups that meet in person.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Herpes Infections

Q. Does Herpes Infections have very serious complications?

Serious complications rarely occur in healthy people with herpes simplex. However, serious complications occur most often in newborns and people who have had a long-term illness or have a weak immune system. If you are suffering from cancer, HIV AIDS, or have had an organ transplant, seek medical help as soon as you notice any signs or symptoms of herpes infection.

Is there a link between HIV AIDS and Herpes infections?

There is known to be a direct link between HIV infection and herpes infection. Those people with a herpes infection are more likely to get HIV infection if proper sexual hygiene and conduct are not maintained. Also, those people who are already suffering from HIV can get a more severe and painful case of herpes infection.

Does herpes infections hurt?

The first time a person gets herpes infections, the sores are very painful. The blisters break and leave painful ulcers that heal in 2-4 weeks time.

Can people with herpes infections live a normal life?

Yes, people with herpes infections can live a normal healthy life and have relationships. One must follow steps to prevent recurrence or spread of herpes infections to the partner.

Does herpes infection reduce life span?

We hope we have answered all your questions about Herpes infections and How do Herpes Infections Spread, through this article.

Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Epidemiology

Anogenital herpes is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2 . Infections caused by this virus are common across the world but there are variations in prevalence between countries and population groups.

HSV disease is not a notifiable disease in Australia so there are limited data regarding disease prevalence. A nationwide population seroprevalence survey of HSV infection from 1999-2000 found an overall HSV2 seroprevalence of 12% . HSV2 seroprevalence was two-fold higher in females compared with males , 18% amongst indigenous Australians, and higher in metropolitan compared with remote areas . The overall seroprevalence of HSV1 infection was 76% .

Historically, HSV1 was the most common cause of orolabial herpes and HSV2 the most common cause of anogenital herpes. However, recent data from a large sexual health clinic in Melbourne suggests that HSV1 is now the most common cause of anogenital herpes among women, people younger than 28 years and MSM .

Clinical manifestations

Genital HSV disease typically presents in the anogenital area with blistering, ulceration and lymphangitis . It is a common cause of proctitis in MSM, although only one-third of men will have externally visible ulcers . Herpes proctitis is more common among HIV-positive, compared with HIV-negative, MSM .

Management

Orolabial HSV disease

• Valaciclovir 500mg – 1 g PO BID
• Famciclovir 250 – 500 mg PO BID
• Acyclovir 400 mg PO TID

Initial or recurrent genital lesions

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What Do I Do If I Find Out I Have Herpes

Its normal to have lots of different feelings after you find out that you have herpes. You might feel mad, embarrassed, ashamed, or upset at first. But youll probably feel a lot better as time goes by, and you see that having herpes doesnt have to be a big deal. People with herpes have relationships and live totally normal lives. There are treatments for herpes, and theres a lot you can do to make sure you dont give herpes to anyone you have sex with.

Millions and millions of people have herpes youre definitely not alone. Most people get at least one STD in their lifetime, and having herpes or another STD is nothing to feel ashamed of or embarrassed about. It doesnt mean youre dirty or a bad person it means youre a normal human who got a really common infection. The reality is that herpes can happen to anybody who has ever been kissed on the lips or had sex thats a LOT of people.

Herpes isnt deadly and it usually doesnt cause any serious health problems. While herpes outbreaks can be annoying and painful, the first flare-up is usually the worst. For many people, outbreaks happen less over time and may eventually stop completely. Even though the virus hangs around in your body for life, it doesnt mean youll be getting sores all the time.

And tell anyone you have sex with that you have herpes. Its not the easiest conversation, but its an important one. Here are some tips:

How Does Herpes Infection Spread

Herpes infections are highly contagious and can spread easily from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact or using common objects like utensils, toothbrushes. It also spreads through sexual contact.

HSV or the herpes simplex virus is responsible for causing Herpes infections.

Herpes is responsible for causing sores in the mouth and/or the genital areas. Herpes can be painful but usually does not cause any serious health conditions.

In this article, we will be discussing in detail the Herpes Infection and how it spreads.

• What is Herpes Infection?
• How does Herpes Infection Spread?
• What are the types of Herpes infections?
• What are the causes of Herpes Infection?
• What are the risk factors that can lead to Herpes Infections?
• What are the symptoms of Herpes Infection?
• How to diagnose Herpes Infections?
• What are the treatments for Herpes Infection?
• What are the outcomes of Herpes Infection?
• How to prevent Herpes Infection?
• What are the complications of Herpes Infections?
• Frequently asked questions about Herpes infections

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How To Diagnose Herpes Infections

Diagnosis of herpes infections is done by following methods-

• Physical examination- Here the doctor does a thorough physical examination, checks the mouth, lips and genital areas for sores. Doctors may ask questions about the symptoms and a detailed medical history, to identify the cause and type of viral infection.
• HSV testing- Also known as herpes culture test, here the doctor takes a swab sample of the fluid from the blister or sores present in the oral cavity or genitals and sends it for lab tests. This is to identify the virus causing the infections.
• Blood tests- This is done to find the presence of antibodies . This helps to identify the infections in patients who dont have any sores or blisters.

How Is Genital Herpes Diagnosed

HSV nucleic acid amplification tests are the most sensitive and highly specific tests available for diagnosing herpes. However, in some settings viral culture is the only test available. The sensitivity of viral culture can be low, especially among people who have recurrent or healing lesions. Because viral shedding is intermittent, it is possible for someone to have a genital herpes infection even though it was not detected by NAAT or culture. 11

Type-specific virologic tests can be used for diagnosing genital herpes when a person has recurrent symptoms or lesion without a confirmatory NAAT, culture result, or has a partner with genital herpes. Both virologic tests and type-specific serologic tests should be available in clinical settings serving patients with, or at risk for, sexually transmitted infections. 11

Given performance limitations with commercially available type-specific serologic tests , a confirmatory test with a second method should be performed before test interpretation. If confirmatory tests are unavailable, patients should be counseled about the limitations of available testing before serologic testing. Healthcare providers should also be aware that false-positive results occur. In instances of suspected recent acquisition, serologic testing within 12 weeks after acquisition may be associated with false negative test results. 11

Providers are strongly encouraged to look at CDCs STI Treatment Guidelines for further diagnostic considerations.

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