What it means
Two types: HSV-1 usually causes cold sores around the mouth, and HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes, though either can infect either place. After the first outbreak the virus hides in nerve cells and can flare again with stress, illness or sun exposure. It spreads by direct contact, even when no sores are visible. Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir shorten outbreaks but do not cure it. A baby can be infected during birth, which can be very serious.
For the nurse
Wear gloves when touching lesions. A pregnant client with active genital lesions at the time of labor usually needs a cesarean birth.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | HSV |
|---|---|
| Spanish | virus del herpes simple |
| Also written | HSV, herpes-simplex-virus |
Related terms
sexually transmitted infection
An infection passed from one person to another mainly through sexual contact.
standard precautions
The basic infection-control practices used with every client, whether or not an infection is known.