Herpes

Herpes is a viral disease that is contagious. The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes this infection which is contracted through sexual intercourse or exposure to an infected individual's body fluids. 

Once a person has been infected, the virus can lie dormant in the body for years or days before it gets activated. It can get also reactivate multiple times in a year.

There are two types of Herpes: type 1 and type 2.

• Type 1 causes sores around the mouth (oral infections).
  

• Type 2 causes sores around the genital areas. This is a sexually transmitted infection and is called genital herpes.

Herpes simplex type 1 is transmitted through oral secretions or sores on the skin. It can be spread through kissing or sharing objects such as toothbrushes or eating utensils.

Herpes type 2 is when a person has sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection.​

When to seek expert advice

If you experience the above symptoms, consult the physicians from the Section of Dermatology or Section of Internal Medicine.

For expert gynaecological advice, you can also visit a doctor working with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.