Herpes is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with infected skin, bodily fluids, or through sexual activity. If left untreated, herpes can cause serious complications, particularly for those with weakened immune systems.
While most people infected with the herpes virus do not experience symptoms, those who do can suffer from painful sores in the mouth (herpes labialis) or on the genitals (genital herpes).
Understanding herpes
According to Dr Anda Gxolo from East London in the Eastern Cape who works with #Keready clinics, there are two types of herpes: HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex Virus 1) and HSV-2 (Herpes Simplex Virus 2).
HSV-1 typically manifests “above the waist”, which typically affects the mouth area and the tongue, while HSV-2 is usually present “below the waist”, affecting the genitals, explains Gxolo.
However, there are a lot of crossovers because both viruses can cause both types of infections, she adds.
Gxolo explains that HSV-1 is usually transmitted through kissing, touching a person’s skin near the mouth, or oral sex with someone who has a cold sore.
HSV-2, on the other hand, is transmitted through intercourse (anal, vaginal-penile, vaginal-vaginal), oral sex, or touching open sores, according to Gxolo. She adds that HSV-2 can also be transmitted during vaginal childbirth from the mother to the child.
“You can reduce the risk of contracting HSV-2 – commonly known as genital herpes – by having only one sexual partner.”
Dr Anda Gxolo
Gxolo emphaises that getting tested for sexually transmitted infections and completing any prescribed treatment is crucial.
Dealing with genital herpes
“Individuals who are at most risk are those who have sex without condoms or dental dams, have multiple sex partners, have another sexually transmitted infection (STI), or engage in sexual intercourse with a partner who has active lesions.”
She notes that people should:
- Inform their sexual partners if they have genital herpes so they can get tested.
- Use condoms during intercourse and dental dams during oral sex.
- Wash their hands often if they have an outbreak or are around someone with symptoms.
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Herpes and winter
Visisa Ntengo, a nurse from East London’s Empilweni Gompo Community Healthcare, identifies several factors that trigger herpes outbreaks during winter.
These include compromised immune systems, dry skin and mucous membranes, close contact, and the cold and flu season.
She explains that colder weather and reduced sunlight can weaken the immune system, increasing vulnerability to viral reactivation. Additionally, cold weather and indoor heating can dry out the skin and mucous membranes, creating a more favourable environment for the virus to reactivate and cause symptoms.
Ntengo adds that during the winter, people are more likely to spend time indoors and close to others, raising the risk of HSV transmission through direct contact such as unprotected sexual intercourse and kissing, particularly during an outbreak.
“Colds and flu are also common during winter, further weakening the immune system and potentially leading to herpes outbreaks.”
Gxolo acknowledges, “In my practice, I have observed more herpes outbreaks in the winter months but I have also seen herpes outbreaks in summer.”
She explains that herpes infection can occur year-round, and there is minimal evidence in the literature suggesting that herpes outbreaks thrive more in one season than in another.
Common symptoms
Gxolo says people who have herpes symptoms may experience:
- Clusters of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters that ooze and ulcerate, appearing around the lips, mouth, or tongue. They may look crusty.
- Sores on their genitals or around their anus.
- Tingling, itching, or burning sensations.
- Fever, swollen lymph nodes, or muscle aches.
- Pain while urinating.
She adds that complications associated with genital herpes may include other sexually transmitted infections, newborn infection, internal inflammatory disease, finger infection, HSV infection of the eye, swelling of the brain (rarely), and she notes that HSV can cause meningitis.
Lifestyle changes and treatment
Ntengo shares that you can combat herpes by making the following lifestyle changes:
- Boost your immune system.
- Manage your stress.
- Moisturise and avoid irritants such as harsh soaps and skincare products.
- Maintain good hygiene.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as razors and towels.
- Stay warm.
- Monitor and respond to signs or symptoms of herpes.
She adds that treatments include:
- Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir.
- Topical antivirals (creams and ointments containing antiviral agents that can be applied directly to the sores).
- Supplements (Lysine, Vitamin C, and Zinc).
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