HSV/Herpes

We now recognize this as a much more common sexually transmitted virus than we used to think it was. That's because in the past it was diagnosed when someone had an active lesion, which was opened and cultured.

Now, it's much easier to get the diagnosis of whether you have now, or have had in the past a herpes infection from a simple blood test. We now realize that many more people than we thought carry herpes without ever having a lesion. In fact, it appears that the majority of people who carry this virus don't know they have it and have never had a lesion.

It is not clear why this infection causes herpes blisters from time to time in some people but not in others and why some people have their breakouts so often. Stress seems to play a role, and stress affects our immune system. Nutrition may also play a role.

An excellent summary of herpes simplex is available through ACOG's brochure "Herpes Simplex". This is highly recommended reading.

As with any STD, the risk of getting HSV decreases if you use condoms. If you are infected, it is a good idea to be tested for other STDs as well.