Viral Infections

Home » Viral Infections » Herpes Simplex Viruses - Symptoms, Diagnosis

Signs and Symptoms

Primary infections are usually severe and are often accompanied by painful, small, fluid-filled blisters; fever; and flu-like symptoms. The blisters may spread extensively. Primary infection may last 2 to 3 weeks.

Recurrent episodes usually begin with itching, tingling, or burning at the site of infection. A red bump or cluster of bumps then form on the skin and rapidly progress to fluid- or pus-filled blisters. After a few days, scabs form and the lesions heal usually within 8 days.

About one-half of men experience a recurrence within 4 months, and one-half of women experience a recurrence within 8 months. In time, the severity, duration, and frequency of symptoms usually decrease.

There are various potential triggers of HSV such as stress, sunlight, changing hormone levels, and illness.

The disease is highly contagious when sores are present. Patients have been known to infect themselves in a new location by touching an active herpes sore and then touching an area of broken skin. Pregnant women can pass the virus to their infants during birth.

Diagnosis

The most reliable diagnostic method to identify a herpes simplex infection is viral culture. The doctor swabs the base of a blister and submits it to the lab for identification. A rapid diagnosis can be made by taking a scraping of the debris at the base of the blister and examining it under a microscope using a special stain (called a Tzanck preparation). A blood test can indicate prior exposure to one or both herpes simplex viruses.

© 1998-2009 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Viral Infections Resources

	Join Our Viral Infections Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer