The UK Health Security Agency has published updated guidance on genital herpes, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United Kingdom, providing clear information on how the infection is transmitted, how it can be prevented and what treatments are available.
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. The infection is highly prevalent — approximately 70 percent of adults carry one of the two herpes simplex viruses — but most people who are infected do not experience symptoms or experience symptoms that are so mild that they are not recognised as herpes.
For those who do experience symptoms, the infection typically causes painful blisters or ulcers in the genital area, which can recur periodically. There is no cure for herpes — the virus remains in the body for life — but antiviral medication can reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks and can reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to sexual partners.
The guidance emphasises that herpes is a manageable condition and that people who have the infection can lead normal, healthy lives, including normal sexual relationships. It also emphasises the importance of reducing the stigma associated with the infection, which can be a barrier to testing and treatment.
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