Good to know: Is Herpes Sexually Transmitted?

What is Herpes (Zoster)?

Herpes is a painful viral infection that usually manifests in a spiral rash around the abdomen and occasionally on the face and other areas. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is also known as herpes zoster. Because it has the word ‘herpes' in the name, you might think that it's related to cold sores or genital warts, but this is not the case. Although Herpes belongs to the herpes family it is a different virus to the one that causes genital herpes or cold sores. This means that it's not a sexually transmitted infection. This post gives you an overview of Herpes, how you get it, its symptoms and what can be done if you have an attack.

What Causes Herpes?

If you've ever had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerves and can reactivate later in life. It commonly occurs in those over fifty or those with a weakened immune system. At our Vulva Clinic in London, we often see how viral reactivations can affect skin sensitivity. You are more at risk if you are:

• Elderly or experiencing high levels of stress.
• Suffering from a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV or leukaemia.
• Taking medication that suppresses the immune system, such as cancer treatments or during specific stages of pregnancy care (learn more about our early pregnancy scans).

How do I Catch Herpes?

Unlike other viral concerns we treat, such as those identified via HPV testing or a Private Colposcopy, Shingles cannot be caught from another person. A person with an active rash can only pass the virus to someone who hasn't had chickenpox through contact with open blisters.