I. Viral STDs
 Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) – Genital Herpes
 Common STD caused by Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV 2) or
less often, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV 1).
 Can be transmitted by vaginal, anal or oral sex through direct
contact with a lesion, sore, or infected tissue.
 Symptoms do not have to be present for HSV to be passed.
 Transmission without symptoms is very common because of
asymptomatic viral shedding, especially during the first couple
years of a new herpes infection.
 Up to 90% of infections are asymptomatic, or mildly
symptomatic and unrecognized.
 Most common symptoms include blisters on the skin, or pain,
itching or a tingling of the skin in the genital or rectal area
before an outbreak occurs.
 There is no cure for HSV, but treatment can minimize the length
and pain of outbreaks.
 Daily treatment may also decrease asymptomatic viral
shedding and transmission to others. However, shedding does
not stop completely and condoms are still recommended.
 Condoms are a good barrier to HSV when they cover the
infected area.
 HSV increases chance for HIV transmission by three to six
times.
Asymptomatic viral shedding is when live virus is produced and
released through infected skin, even though there is not a visible sore
or lesion.