Genital%20herpes Signs and Symptoms
Introduction
- Recurrent lifelong disease with no cure, caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- Typically occurs in adults, usually transmitted through sexual contact
- Incubation period is 2 days-2 weeks after exposure
Etiology
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
- HSV-1: Tends to cause fewer recurrences and milder disease than HSV-2
- HSV-2: Usually the cause of genital herpes but HSV-1 may occur in up to 1/3 of new cases
Risk Factors
Risk Factors for Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
- Multiple sexual partners
- Previous history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) including HIV
- History of genital lesion in self or partner
- Partner diagnosed with genital HSV infection
- Early age of 1st sexual activity (≤17 years old)
- Female gender
- Low socioeconomic status; low level of education
- Advancing age