Herpes: What it is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & More

What is Herpes?

Herpes is a lifelong infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The virus can stay inactive in a person’s nerve cells and reactivate later, leading to repeated outbreaks. It usually affects the mouth, lips, genitals, and nearby skin, but sometimes it can also infect the fingers, eyes, or other areas. Many people have few or no symptoms, so they might not realise they are spreading the virus.

What are the Types of Herpes?

Herpes can affect different parts of the body, which depends on the type of herpes simplex virus and the area involved. There are 2 main types, which are as follows:

Stages of Herpes

Herpes infection usually progresses through different stages, from the initial infection to recurrent outbreaks. These stages are as follows:

How Common is Herpes in India?

Herpes is one of the most common viral infections worldwide and is also widespread in India. Although the exact number of cases is not known because many infections remain undiagnosed, studies suggest that a significant proportion of adults have been exposed to HSV-1 during childhood. As per reports, approximately 92 inmates contracted the herpes simplex virus, out of which 7 died. Increased awareness, practising safe sexual intercourse, early diagnosis, and timely treatment can help reduce the spread of the infection and minimise such complications.

What are the Symptoms of Herpes?

Common early and advanced symptoms of herpes include the following:

What Causes Herpes?

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which spreads through close physical contact. Several factors can increase the risk of infection, such as:

• Direct Skin-to-Skin Contact: Herpes spreads through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes of an infected person, particularly when active sores or blisters are present. However, the virus can also spread even when no visible symptoms are present.

• Kissing an Infected Person: Oral herpes can spread if you kiss someone who has a cold sore or is shedding the virus. Even when there are no visible sores, it is still possible to catch the virus.

• Sharing Personal Items: Using things like lip balm, razors, towels, eating utensils, or toothbrushes that belong to someone with herpes can raise your risk of getting oral herpes, especially if they have a cold sore.

• Mother-to-Child Transmission: A pregnant woman who has an active genital herpes infection can pass the virus to her baby during birth. While this does not happen often, neonatal herpes can lead to serious health problems if not treated quickly.

• Multiple Sexual Partners: Having multiple sexual partners increases the likelihood of exposure to the herpes simplex virus. Regular STI screening and practising safe sexual intercourse can help reduce the risk of infection.

• Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems due to illnesses, medications, or medical treatments are more likely to develop herpes infections and experience frequent or severe outbreaks.

• Close Personal Contact: Close physical contact with an infected person during an active outbreak, including skin-to-skin contact during sports or intimate activities, can spread the virus to others.

• Previous Herpes Infection: Once infected with the herpes simplex virus, it remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later. Factors such as stress, illness, fever, hormonal changes, or excessive sun exposure may trigger recurrent outbreaks.

What are the Complications of Herpes?

Although many herpes infections are mild. However, untreated or severe cases can lead to health complications, especially in newborns and people with weakened immunity. Some possible complications are as follows:

• Frequent Recurring Outbreaks: After someone is infected, the herpes simplex virus stays in the body for life and can become active again from time to time. For some people, frequent outbreaks can interfere with daily life and well-being.

• Secondary Bacterial Infection: Open herpes sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria if they are not kept clean. This may delay healing and require additional antibiotic treatment.

• Eye Infection (Herpes Keratitis): If the virus spreads to the eyes, it can cause inflammation of the cornea, leading to redness, pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Without prompt treatment, repeated infections may result in permanent vision loss.

• Increased Risk of HIV: Genital herpes causes sores and inflammation that make it easier to acquire or transmit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Individuals diagnosed with genital herpes are often advised to undergo screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

• Urinary Retention: Severe genital herpes can cause swelling and pain near the urinary tract, which can make it hard to urinate. Some people may need short-term medical help until the swelling goes down.

• Psychological and Emotional Distress: Repeated outbreaks, worry about spreading the infection, and social stigma can cause anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, or depression for some people. Counselling and education can help people cope with the emotional effects of herpes.

Related Diseases Comparison

Herpes shares symptoms with other sexually transmitted infections and skin conditions. The table below highlights the differences.

Herpes vs Genital Warts vs Syphilis

How is Herpes Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose herpes by looking at your medical history, doing a physical exam, and sometimes using lab tests. Here are some common ways to check for the virus:

How is Herpes Managed?

Herpes treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, reducing the frequency of outbreaks, and preventing transmission. The available treatment options are as follows:

• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain-relieving medicines may help reduce pain, fever, and discomfort during an outbreak. Cool compresses and warm baths may also provide relief from irritation.

• Suppressive Therapy: People who experience frequent outbreaks may be advised to take antiviral medicines daily. Suppressive therapy reduces the number of outbreaks and lowers the risk of transmitting herpes to sexual partners.

• Keeping the Affected Area Clean: Keep the affected area clean by gently washing it and making sure the sores stay dry. This can help prevent other infections and support faster healing. Try not to pick at or scratch the blisters.

• Avoid Sexual Activity During Outbreaks: Try to avoid having sexual intercourse if you have genital herpes or if you have early symptoms like burning or tingling. This lessens the possibility that your partner will contract the infection.

Medicines Used to Treat Herpes

There are several medicines that help manage herpes by easing symptoms and lowering the number of outbreaks. These medicines include the following:

• Acyclovir

• Valacyclovir

• Famciclovir

• Paracetamol or Ibuprofen

• Topical anaesthetic gels such as Lidocaine gel

• Intravenous (IV) Acyclovir

Herpes During Pregnancy

Herpes during pregnancy requires careful medical attention because an active genital herpes infection can be passed to the baby during childbirth. Although the risk is generally low in women with longstanding herpes infection, a first-time infection during late pregnancy carries a higher chance of neonatal herpes. Doctors may prescribe antiviral medicines during the later stages of pregnancy to reduce the risk of outbreaks. If active genital sores are present at the time of labour, a caesarean delivery may be recommended to protect the baby.

Tips to manage herpes during pregnancy are the following:

• Attend all prenatal check-ups and inform your doctor if you have a history of herpes.

• Take antiviral medicines exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Avoid sexual contact with a partner who has an active herpes outbreak.

• Inform your doctor immediately if you notice blisters, sores, or unusual genital symptoms.

• Follow your doctor's advice regarding the safest method of delivery to reduce the risk of neonatal herpes.

Can Herpes Be Cured?

Herpes is a lifelong viral infection, but with the right care, most people can manage it and stay healthy. The first outbreak is often the hardest, while later ones usually happen less often and are milder. Antiviral medicines can help outbreaks end sooner, make them less severe, and reduce the chance of spreading the virus. Although there is no permanent cure for herpes, getting diagnosed early, having regular checkups, practising safe sex, and avoiding triggers can all help you stay healthy and improve your quality of life.

Can Herpes Be Prevented?

Although herpes cannot always be prevented, adopting certain precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infection and transmission. These preventive measures include:

• Use Condoms Consistently: Correct and consistent use of condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sexual intercourse helps lower the risk of genital herpes, although it does not eliminate the risk entirely.

• Avoid Contact During Active Outbreaks: Avoid kissing or sexual contact with anyone who has visible herpes sores or is experiencing symptoms of an outbreak.

• Do Not Share Personal Items: Avoid sharing lip balm, razors, towels, eating utensils, or toothbrushes with someone who has active oral herpes.

• Maintain Good Personal Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after touching a herpes sore and avoid touching your eyes or other parts of the body to prevent spreading the virus.

• Take Prescribed Antiviral Medicines: If you have recurrent herpes, take the antiviral medicines your doctor prescribes. This can help reduce outbreaks and lower the risk of passing the virus to others.

Herpes Treatment Cost in India

Treating herpes can cost different amounts depending on how serious the infection is, what tests are needed, which medicines are used, and if hospital care is necessary. Below are some typical expenses you may come across:

Disclaimer: The above mentioned treatment prices are on an approximate basis and could change based on the city, the hospital, the healthcare provider, the diagnostic tests, etc.

Does Health Insurance Cover Herpes?

Yes, in case the herpes treatment is medically necessary or falls under the preventive health benefits, the majority of comprehensive health insurance policies cover the screening and treatment of herpes. This typically includes hospital stays in the event of major complications, as well as doctor visits, testing, and recommended antiviral medications.

However, it is recommended that you review your insurance documents or contact your insurer to know the exact coverage available for herpes treatment.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Needed for Herpes Treatment?

Most herpes infections are treated with doctor visits, antiviral medicines, and follow-up appointments, so the costs are usually manageable. But if there are complications like severe infections, eye problems, or neonatal herpes, or if you need to be hospitalised, expenses can go up.

A health insurance policy with coverage between ₹5 and ₹10 lakh is usually enough for regular treatment and most emergencies. If you want more financial security or have extra health risks, you should consider a higher coverage amount for extra peace of mind.

Living with Herpes in India: Daily Challenges & Prevention

Although herpes is a chronic illness, most people can effectively control it by taking antiviral medication, maintaining good health, and adopting a few easy precautions.