Overview

If you experience signs or symptoms of a genital herpes infection during an initial outbreak and have never been diagnosed with herpes before, it's crucial to seek medical care promptly. Early treatment, typically within the first few days of the outbreak, is more effective in managing the condition.

Subsequent outbreaks, on the other hand, usually do not require immediate medical attention.

• If you've had a previous herpes outbreak, consult your healthcare provider to discuss options for preventing future recurrences.
• Individuals with significant underlying medical conditions, especially those with HIV or AIDS, are at a higher risk of severe illness if the disease remains untreated. They should contact their doctors as soon as they notice genital herpes sores.
• A pregnant woman exhibiting signs or symptoms of genital herpes should inform her healthcare provider promptly. Swift medical intervention can reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to newborns during childbirth.

For generally healthy individuals, hospital visits for genital herpes outbreaks are seldom necessary. If you're experiencing an initial herpes episode and can't see your regular doctor within the first few days of illness, consider visiting a hospital's emergency department to initiate medical treatment.

• Some individuals may experience severe illness due to herpes infections. If you have a high fever, severe headache, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, it's advisable to seek evaluation at the hospital.
• People with severe medical conditions, particularly those with HIV or AIDS, may become seriously ill due to herpes infections. The herpes virus can rapidly spread to the brain, lungs, and other organs in such cases. If this applies to you, seek immediate medical attention for herpes outbreaks. Go to the hospital if you experience any symptoms beyond genital sores.

Self-Care at Home

• Avoid excessive heat or sunlight, as these can worsen irritation.
• Avoid using perfumed or antibacterial soaps, feminine deodorants, or douches.
• Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting cotton clothing.
• For pain relief, you can consider taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen (Advil).
• Applying cool cloths to the affected area may help alleviate pain.

Follow-up

If you've been diagnosed with genital herpes, it's essential to disclose your diagnosis to your sexual partners. Advise your partners to seek medical attention if they develop any signs of the illness. If your partner shows no signs of a herpes infection, typically, no specific action is required.

Prevention

People with active genital herpes outbreaks are highly contagious. Those with visible sores should avoid any sexual contact. Even the use of a condom does not guarantee prevention of disease transmission, as not all sores are covered by the condom.

Even individuals who have had genital herpes may remain contagious to some extent, even if they have received medical treatment. The virus can become active and be transmitted to a sexual partner, even when the skin appears completely normal. Therefore, it's advisable to practice safe sex, including the use of a condom, between disease outbreaks to reduce the risk of transmitting the disease to a sexual partner.

Outlook

Treatment of genital herpes does not cure the disease. The virus typically remains in an inactive form in an infected person for life. Most individuals (85%) with genital herpes will experience recurring outbreaks, often 6 to 10 times a year. Recurrences are likely to have milder symptoms, and sores tend to last for a shorter duration.