Genital herpes cases are spiking in Ireland with over 1,200 cases confirmed in Ireland this year so far.
Recent figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) show a shocking 20% rise in the number of herpes infections reported in Ireland in 2021.
There have been 1,230 cases of genital herpes reported so far, up to the 48th week of this year, compared to 1,023 cases during the same period last year.
The common sexually transmitted infection can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact with the infected area through vaginal, anal and oral sex.
However, most people who are infected with herpes don’t know they have it as symptoms can be mild. They can be contagious and sometimes pass on the virus to a sexual partner without showing any symptoms.
Here are the first signs of genital herpes and how to spot them:
Herpes can cause small blisters on the genitals area
A tingling, burning or itching around your genitals
Pain while peeing
Swollen glands in your groin
Flu-like symptoms
A change in vaginal discharge (in women)
Symptoms can appear between two and 12 days after being infected but can sometimes take months, or even years, to show up. if you are showing symptoms you show go to your doctor or a sexual health clinic to get tested.
What is the cure?
Unfortunately, there's no cure for genital herpes.
Treatment for herpes involves taking an antiviral medicine for a few days, as well as painkillers and a local anaesthetic cream to help ease the symptoms.
After the first infection, herpes lies dormant in the body and can reactivate several times a year. The first outbreak is usually the most severe and if it does reoccur, symptoms are usually mild and will heal quickly.
How to prevent genital herpes?
Condoms are not totally effective at preventing infecting a partner with genital herpes as it can still be passed on if the condom does not cover the infected area
Antiviral medicine can reduce the chances of passing on genital herpes, however, it is best to avoid sexual contact altogether during an outbreak.
Overall, STIs in Ireland have seen a rise since last year. Syphilis has also seen a shocking 47% jump in cases this year compared to the same period in 2020 - with 774 new cases of syphilis reported in the first 48 weeks.
Chlamydia however, remains the most prevalent STI in Ireland, with 6,808 cases reported so far in 2021.
The age group where the majority of STIs were reported was among 20 to 24-year-olds which accounted for 101 cases.
This is followed by 25 to 29-year-olds (61), 30 to 34-year-olds (38) and 15 to 19-year-olds (16).
