What Is HSV? Everything You Need to Know About HSV

What is HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus)?

Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV, is a very common virus worldwide. There are two main types of HSV: HSV Type 1 and HSV Type 2. Different types affect different parts of the body. For example, HSV Type 1 usually manifests as cold sores around the mouth, while HSV Type 2 typically appears as sores in the genital area. However, symptoms can be observed in both the mouth and genital area for both types.

HSV is generally a recurrent disease. In fact, in some people, it can persist without showing any symptoms. Once HSV enters the body, it settles in nerve cells and silently waits for the right moment to emerge. This "right moment" usually occurs when a person's body resistance is low. If a person is under stress, has a fever, has a weakened immune system, or is very tired, the virus reappears. With the reappearance of the virus, you may observe cold sores on your body.

Is HSV contagious?

Yes, HSV is a highly contagious virus.

HSV is most contagious when active blisters or sores are present on the skin. The virus can easily pass from these skin sores to another person.

However, it should be noted that the virus can also be transmitted to other people even when no symptoms are shown. This is also called "silent transmission." That is, the virus can be transmitted to someone else even if the person does not have cold sores.

For all these reasons:

• You should tell your sexual partner about your HSV diagnosis.

• You should use protective methods such as condoms.

• You should avoid contact, especially during active cold sore periods.

How is HSV transmitted? What are the causes of HSV?

HSV is usually transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Skin contact can be in the form of sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral). If your partner's cold sores are active during sexual intercourse, meaning they are in the form of blisters and sores, your risk of contracting HSV is high.

Can people who have no complaints but carry the virus also transmit HSV? Yes, HSV transmission is possible even if your partner does not have active cold sores. Asymptomatic carriers usually transmit the virus to others unknowingly.

HSV can be transmitted through the following ways:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse

• Sharing of sex toys

• From mother to newborn during birth

• Direct skin contact with the affected area

• Sharing towels, underwear

Although using condoms reduces the risk of transmission, we cannot say that it will definitely prevent transmission, as the virus can also be present in areas not covered by the condom.

What are the symptoms of HSV? How is it diagnosed? Where does it appear on the body?

The herpes virus does not manifest with the same symptoms in everyone. While some people continue their lives without showing any symptoms, others may experience very severe complaints. The first HSV infection is usually more severe.

The most common symptoms are as follows:

• Fluid-filled blisters in the genital area or around the mouth

• These blisters burst after a few days and turn into painful sores

• Itching, burning, mild abdominal pain

• Burning or pain during urination

• Fever, fatigue, muscle aches

• Swelling of lymph nodes in the groin area

After the first infection, HSV remains in the body. Recurrent attacks are usually milder and heal faster.

The easiest way to identify HSV is to notice the symptoms on the skin. If you have fluid-filled blisters and painful sores in your genital area, around your anus, mouth, or throat, you should consult your doctor. In some people, symptoms may be very mild; in this case, diagnosis is made by a doctor's examination, PCR test, viral culture, or blood tests. HSV can also be transmitted by asymptomatic individuals. Therefore, it is important to get tested if there is suspicion.

HSV can appear in different parts of the body depending on its type:

• In women: Vulva, vagina, cervix, around the anus

• In men: Penis, scrotum,

• In both sexes: Inner thigh and buttock areas

Cold sores usually start with itching, burning, or redness. Then, fluid-filled blisters form, which can burst and turn into sores, causing pain. To read our article on genital herpes where you can find detailed information about genital herpes, please click here.

HSV and genital herpes

Does HSV cause pain? Does HSV cause itching?

Yes, HSV can cause both pain and itching.

The most common complaints are as follows:

• Burning, stinging, tingling sensation in areas with small, fluid-filled blisters

• Pain in the sores that form where these blisters burst

• Itching just before the infection starts or while the sores are healing

While these symptoms are more noticeable in the first infection, their severity may decrease in subsequent attacks.

Is HSV dangerous?

HSV does not cause serious health problems in most people. In individuals with strong immune systems, the infection usually follows a mild course, and symptoms (e.g., cold sores) heal over time.

However, in some cases, it is important to be careful:

• If your immune system is weak (e.g., HIV-positive patients or people undergoing chemotherapy)

• If you are pregnant

Rarely, HSV can lead to brain inflammation (encephalitis). Therefore, you should not take HSV lightly and should regularly see a doctor.

HSV and cold sores on the lip

How is HSV cured? Is there a treatment for HSV?

HSV cannot be completely eliminated from the body. Currently, there is no definitive cure or preventive vaccine for HSV. However, this does not mean that living with the disease will be difficult. With a treatment plan tailored to you by your doctor, the virus can be brought under control, and symptoms can be significantly alleviated.

Antivirals are most commonly used in HSV treatment. Additionally, keeping sores clean and dry and avoiding stress will also be helpful.

Everyone's body is different. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all HSV treatment; your doctor will prepare the most suitable treatment for you.

If you are experiencing similar symptoms on your body or frequently getting cold sores, consulting your doctor or pharmacist would be the most appropriate decision.

What Helps with HSV?

In addition to standard treatments, topical gels and sprays containing antiviral active ingredients such as Glycyrrhizinic Acid can be used to reduce HSV symptoms and support treatment.

Glycyrrhizinic Acid is a natural active ingredient usually extracted from the root of the licorice plant with water. Research has shown that Glycyrrhizinic Acid can be very beneficial in the treatment of HSV, especially in patients with weakened immune systems. Thanks to its immune system-supporting, strengthening, and viral replication-inhibiting effects, Glycyrrhizinic Acid emerges as a natural and effective support for the treatment of Genital Herpes.*

Remember that you must consult your doctor and pharmacist for therapeutic use.

Source: A Review of the Antiviral Activities of Glycyrrhizic Acid, Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Glycyrrhetinic Acid Monoglucuronide. Pharmaceuticals, 16(5), 641.Zuo, J., Meng, T., Wang, Y., & Tang, W.

Which department handles HSV? Which doctor should be consulted for HSV?

If you notice symptoms such as cold sores, sores, or blisters in your genital area, around your mouth, or in your anal area, you should consult your doctor without delay.

Your doctor will create a specific plan for the diagnosis and treatment of HSV.

• For women: Gynecologist, Urologist, and Dermatologist

• For men: Urologist and Dermatologist are authorized in the diagnosis and treatment of genital herpes.

Infectious disease specialists can also provide support for genital herpes.

Does HSV affect the baby during pregnancy? Does HSV affect birth?

Yes, HSV can affect the baby during pregnancy. Especially if the mother experiences HSV infection for the first time, meaning her body has not yet developed protective antibodies against the virus, the risk of HSV passing to the baby is higher.

Transmission occurs mostly during childbirth. If the mother has active genital herpes at the time of birth, the baby may come into contact with the virus as it passes through the birth canal. This is why doctors may opt for a C-section for mothers with active herpes lesions.

Rarely, a baby can become infected with HSV while in the womb. In this case, the potential outcomes for the baby are as follows:

1. Skin, eye, and mouth infections

2. Nervous system infection (affecting the brain and spinal cord)

3. Systemic infection (affecting multiple vital organs of the baby)

If you suspect you have an HSV infection, you should consult your family doctor without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between HSV Type 1 and HSV Type 2?

HSV Type 1 is generally seen around the mouth (cold sores), while HSV Type 2 more commonly causes cold sores in the genital area. However, both types can cause symptoms in both regions.

Why and when does HSV reappear in the body?

The virus settles in nerve cells and ends its silent wait, reappearing as cold sores when the person's immune system is weakened (due to stress, fatigue, feverish illnesses).

Is it possible to completely get rid of HSV?

No, currently there is no definitive cure or vaccine to completely eliminate HSV from the body. However, the virus can be kept under control and symptoms can be alleviated with antiviral medications and supportive treatments.

This article was written by Pharmacist Nil Eker from the Primum Pharma team.