Herpes simplex virus infection
Orolabial and genital HSV, whitlow and eczema herpeticum, PCR diagnosis, Australian antiviral regimens for first episodes, recurrences and suppression, HSV-triggered erythema multiforme, pregnancy, renal dosing, and chronic or aciclovir-resistant disease in immunosuppression.
Tier 1Condition
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- HSV-1 causes most orolabial disease and now a large share of first-episode genital herpes in young adults. HSV-2 is mostly genital and recurs more often.
- After primary infection the virus becomes latent in sensory ganglia and reactivates. Most transmission happens during asymptomatic shedding.
- Diagnose with HSV PCR from a lesion. Don't screen asymptomatic people with serology.
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Sources
- Australian STI Management Guidelines for Use in Primary Care: genital herpes simplex virus (HSV)AU/NZASHM (Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine), Current online edition, checked November 2026
- Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic (herpes simplex virus infections)AU/NZTherapeutic Guidelines Limited (eTG complete), current eTG edition (topic version not verified)
- Corey L et al. Once-daily valacyclovir to reduce the risk of transmission of genital herpes. N Engl J Med 2004;350:11-20New England Journal of Medicine, 2004
- Joint BASHH and RCOG national UK guideline on managing herpes simplex virus in pregnancy and the neonate (2024 update). Int J STD AIDS 2025;36(1):4-23British Association for Sexual Health and HIV and Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2024 update (published online 30 September 2024)
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Personal emails, About story and Australian-style copy