The sores of genital herpes in its active stage are usually visible to the naked eye. Several laboratory tests may be needed, however, to distinguish herpes sores from other infections. The most accurate method of diagnosis is by viral culture. A blood test can detect antibodies to the virus, which indicate that the person has at some time been infected with HSV, but it cannot determine whether a person has an active genital herpes infection. During an active herpes episode, whether primary or recurrent, it is important to follow a few simple steps to speed healing and to avoid spreading the infection to other sites of the body or to other people:
• Keep the infected area clean and dry to prevent secondary infection from developing.
• Try to avoid touching the sores; wash hands after contact with the sores.
• Avoid sexual contact from the time symptoms are first recognized until the sores are completely healed, that is, until scabs have fallen off and new skin has formed over the site of the lesion.
Oral acyclovir markedly shortens the course of a first episode and limits the severity of recurrences if taken within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. People who have very frequent episodes of the disease can take oral acyclovir daily for up to one year to suppress the virus’ activity and prevent most recurrences. Acyclovir does not cure herpes, but it interferes with the virus’ ability to reproduce itself. Other new drugs – famciclovir and valacyclovir – now on the market work in a similar manner.
John Currie is a leading expert on tinnitus, hyperacusis and Menieres disease and has been running his tinnitus related website since 1999.
His advice and tinnitus treatment plans have helped thousands of people around the world.
Click to view his
Tinnitus website.
Johns latest website can be found at
Herpes