CAUSES
People get herpes by having sex with someone who has the disease. “Having sex” means anal, vaginal, or oral sex. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be found in and released from the sores that the viruses cause. The viruses can also be released from skin that does not appear to have a sore. Generally, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. Transmission can occur from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not know that he or she is infected.
Pregnant women with genital herpes should talk to their doctor as genital herpes can be passed on to the baby during childbirth. It is crucial that pregnant women infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 go to prenatal care visits and tell their doctor if they have ever experienced any symptoms of, been exposed to, or been diagnosed with genital herpes. Sometimes genital herpes infection can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Herpes infection can be passed from mother to child resulting in a potentially fatal infection (neonatal herpes). It is important that women avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy.
The HSV-1 is the main cause of herpes infection on the mouth and lips which include cold sores and fever blister. It is transmitted through kissing or sharing any of drinking utensils which means it spread through saliva.
The HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes. It is transmitted through sexual contact.However, the HSV-1 may also cause the genital herpes. Both HSV are spread with direct contact.
Pregnant women with genital herpes should talk to their doctor as genital herpes can be passed on to the baby during childbirth. It is crucial that pregnant women infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 go to prenatal care visits and tell their doctor if they have ever experienced any symptoms of, been exposed to, or been diagnosed with genital herpes. Sometimes genital herpes infection can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Herpes infection can be passed from mother to child resulting in a potentially fatal infection (neonatal herpes). It is important that women avoid contracting herpes during pregnancy.
The HSV-1 is the main cause of herpes infection on the mouth and lips which include cold sores and fever blister. It is transmitted through kissing or sharing any of drinking utensils which means it spread through saliva.
The HSV-2 is the main cause of genital herpes. It is transmitted through sexual contact.However, the HSV-1 may also cause the genital herpes. Both HSV are spread with direct contact.
Adapted from:
WebMD Q & A
CDC: Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. Herpes Simplex Virus Facts.
WebMD Q & A
CDC: Centers For Disease Control And Prevention. Herpes Simplex Virus Facts.
By
Siti Nur Nabilah Binti Mohd Yunus Co-writer: Norasyikin Binti Saopi |
Department of Medical Laboratory Technology,
UiTM Puncak Alam Campus
UiTM Puncak Alam Campus