Can you have 2 strains of HSV?
HSV-2 dual-strain infection was detected in 3.7% of paired samples from individual participants, and was more frequent among people with HIV infection. Simulations suggest that the true prevalence of dual-strain infection is 7%.
Can you get different strains of herpes?
“Since every person carries a subtly different version of HSV-1, this might explain some of the variation in human responses to infection; for example, why people have different triggers for their outbreaks or why some people experience more painful sores.
How common is it to get HSV-2 orally?
Oral HSV-2 was found less frequently than oral HSV-1 (0.06% v 1%, p<0.001) in people with HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibody, and less frequently than genital HSV-2 (0.09% v 7%, p<0.001).
How common is herpes type 2?
An estimated 491 million people aged 15–49 (13%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection. Most HSV infections are asymptomatic, but symptoms of herpes include painful blisters or ulcers that can recur over time. Infection with HSV-2 increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV infection.
How is HSV-2 treated?
Episodic Therapy for Recurrent HSV-2 Genital Herpes
- Acyclovir 800 mg orally 2 times/day for 5 days.
- Acyclovir 800 mg orally 3 times/day for 2 days.
- Famciclovir 1 gm orally 2 times/day for 1 day.
- Famciclovir 500 mg once, followed by 250 mg 2 times/day for 2 days.
- Famciclovir 125 mg 2 times/day for 5 days.
Is HSV-2 always contagious?
Yes. Even when no sores are present, the herpes virus is still active in the body and can spread to others. If you or your partner has herpes, reduce the risk of spread by: using a condom every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, or anal).
How likely is it to spread HSV-2 without an outbreak?
Yes. To prevent transmission of herpes, we recommend that condoms be used 100% of the time. Many patients will shed the virus and be contagious when they don’t have symptoms. Studies have shown that asymptomatic shedding occurs between 1% and 3% of the time in patients with HSV II genital infections.