Herpes can spread quietly
People with herpes can transmit the virus to partners even when they do not have lesions.
Advertisement
People with herpes can transmit the virus to partners even when they do not have lesions.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is one of the most commonest sexually transmitted disease, affecting nearly 536 million people worldwide.
Since HSV-2 antibody tests have become commercially available, an increasing number of persons have learned that they have herpes through serologic testing. To study the virologic and clinical course of HSV genital shedding among individuals with symptomatic and asymptomatic HSV-2 infection, researchers followed almost 498 people who had tested positive for the virus. Each person took and submitted genital swabs everyday for at least 30 days. More than 28,000 swabs were collected and analysed.
The virus was detected on 20 percent of days in 410 people who had symptoms, compared with 10 percent of days in those who had no obvious symptoms. But both groups shed about the same amount of virus on the days they were shedding. The main difference was the time.
The findings support the use of preventive measures as often as possible. These include wearing a condom, taking the antiviral medication Valtrex (valacyclovir) every day and telling your partner about the infection.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is one of the most commonest sexually transmitted disease, affecting nearly 536 million people worldwide.
Since HSV-2 antibody tests have become commercially available, an increasing number of persons have learned that they have herpes through serologic testing. To study the virologic and clinical course of HSV genital shedding among individuals with symptomatic and asymptomatic HSV-2 infection, researchers followed almost 498 people who had tested positive for the virus. Each person took and submitted genital swabs everyday for at least 30 days. More than 28,000 swabs were collected and analysed.
The virus was detected on 20 percent of days in 410 people who had symptoms, compared with 10 percent of days in those who had no obvious symptoms. But both groups shed about the same amount of virus on the days they were shedding. The main difference was the time.
The findings support the use of preventive measures as often as possible. These include wearing a condom, taking the antiviral medication Valtrex (valacyclovir) every day and telling your partner about the infection.
DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.
Advertisement