There are two strains of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in humans: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Whilst it was previously thought HSV-1 accounted for oral lesions (cold sores) and HSV-2 for genital herpes it is now known there is considerable overlap

Transmission - Acquired at muscosal surfaces or breaks in the skin by direct contact with infected secretions or mucosal surfaces

• Usually through sexual contact
• HSV-1 through oro-genital intercourse
• HSV-2 is transmitted during vaginal or anal intercourse

Risk factors:

• HIV infected
• Immunoseppressive medications
• high risk sexual behaviour

PC

• primary infection: may present with a severe gingivostomatitis - a painful oral infection that can cause blisters on the lips and canker sores in the mouth.
• cold sores
• multiple painful blisters quickly burst to leave erosions and ulcers
  • painful genital ulceration
• Lesions are bilateral and develop 4-7 days after exposure to HSV (external genitalia, cervix, rectum, buttocks, thighs)
• tender inguinal lymphadenopathy
• urinary retention may occur