Independent Nurse: Clinical - Sexual health - Controlling genital herpes - Infection.

The article presents information about genital herpes. Human herpes simplex virus is the most common cause of genital ulceration in Great Britain. In countries where HIV is more common, genital ulcerative disease is an important factor to consider with respect to HIV transmission. Genital herpes can be associated with severe physical and psychological morbidity, however many experience no symptoms. Transmission occurs via skin to skin or mucous membrane contact during periods of viral shedding when lesions are present, but may also occur when lesions are not apparent.