Viral STI’s

Genital Herpes

Genital Herpes What is it? Genital Herpes is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) which is from the same family of viruses that cause cold sores. Cold sores are generally caused by a type HSV-1, and genital herpes is usually caused by type HSV-2. There is no cure for genital herpes and often people will have recurring outbreaks. During these outbreaks the infected person will have sores and symptoms for a while, then the virus will go into a dormant stage and the person will have no symptoms again until the next outbreak. Genital Herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, typically during oral, anal or vaginal sex. In rare cases, a herpes infection can be spread from mother to child during birth.

Genital Herpes Symptoms for both men and women include: Itchiness of genitals Small blisters in the vagina or on the vulva or cervix; on or around the penis or testicles; on or around the anus; or on the thighs or buttocks The first episode may be accompanied by fever or headaches.

Genital Herpes Blisters often burst leaving painful sores. Painful urination A slight tingling or burning may be a sign that an active outbreak is coming Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 20 days of infection.

Genital Herpes There is no cure for Herpes, but effective treatments for outbreaks do exist. HSV-1 and HSV-2 are generally not considered a serious health risk. However, in very rare cases, the Herpes Simplex Virus can cause serious illness. Infected pregnant women can pass the virus to infants during birth, causing lesions and possibly life- threatening infections of the central nervous system of the baby.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

HIV What is HIV? Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV is an incurable sexually transmitted virus that attacks and weakens a person’s immune system What is AIDS? AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS is a syndrome, and is the collection of symptoms, signs, and characteristics that occur once a person’s immune system has been substantially weakened by HIV infection.

HIV Symptoms It often takes many years before a person infected with HIV displays any symptoms of infection. During this time a person may spread the virus to many people. This is one of the reasons why HIV is a very difficult illness to control - many people may not know they are infected until it is to late. Some of the more common symptoms of HIV infection include constant weight loss and fatigue, night sweats, loss of appetite, constant diarrhea and recurring yeast infections.

HIV Treatment Though there is no cure for HIV, treatment has progressed dramatically. People who are infected with HIV are living longer without opportunistic infection or other serious diseases.

Hepatitis B

Hep B What is it? The word hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver”. Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause scarring of the liver, liver failure, and liver diseases – including liver cancer. Worldwide, hepatitis B is very common. Hepatitis B is incurable, but a vaccine exists and most infections will clear up on their own. Most people will have no symptoms of an infection. For these reasons, many people who are infected with hepatitis B may never know it and still transmit it.

Hep B Symptoms Symptoms of acute hepatitis are often mild and may be mistaken for the flu. These include: tiredness, aching joints, pain in the stomach area, loss of appetite, nausea and; a general feeling of sickness.

Hep B Treatment There are some treatments available for chronic hepatitis B infections that help control the virus from spreading. Impact if not treated Hepatitis B can cause permanent damage to the liver, including liver cancer or liver failure. Pregnant women who carry the virus can pass it to their infants during birth; however, treatment exists that can help prevent transmission from an infected mother. In Canada, pregnant women are routinely tested for hepatitis B infection before giving birth.

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

HPV What is it? HPV infects the body inside and outside: The human papillomavirus (HPV) infects surfaces of the skin, lining of the mouth, tongue, throat, tonsils, vagina, penis, cervix, and anus. Most people who get HPV don’t have any signs or symptoms and may unknowingly spread the disease. There are many different types of HPV viruses. Over 80 types of HPV have been reliably identified, but researchers believe there are likely over 200.

Treatments and strategies for prevention Vaccination against HPV is the number one way to avoid HPV. Other treatments are available from burning off the damaged skin, to topical ointment and medicine.