Genital Herpes Discussion
Diagnosis
Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted virus (STV) that can be diagnosed through various methods. The most common method of diagnosis is through blood tests and visual inspection of the symptoms. Blood tests can detect the presence of the virus and can be used to identify the type, such as HSV-1 or HSV-2 (Hazra et al., 2022). The visual inspection will allow a doctor to observe any active sores and blisters that may be present. If there is suspicion of genital Herpes, a doctor may also request a swab from open sores or blisters for laboratory testing.
Prevalence
The prevalence of genital Herpes is quite high, with an estimated 1 in 8 adults in the United States having the virus. With an estimated 1 in 6 Americans between the ages of 14 and 49 possessing the virus, the frequency is significantly higher among those who engage in sexual activity.
Causative organism
The causative organism of genital Herpes is the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). High-risk sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, and even coming into contact with contaminated objects or surfaces can all result in the transmission of the extremely contagious HSV virus (D’Affronte & Platia, 2019). It is estimated that one in five people aged 14 to 49 years in the United States is infected with HSV-2, the virus that causes genital Herpes.
Diagnostic considerations (tests to verify diagnosis)
When diagnosing genital Herpes, it is essential to consider the clinical presentation, the patient’s history, and other risk factors such as recent sexual activity. Additionally, laboratory tests are used to confirm the diagnosis. The most common tests used are viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, and serology (Hazra et al., 2022).
First line treatment
For the initial treatment of Genital Herpes, the recommended medication is Acyclovir, taken orally at 400 mg five times daily for up to 10 days.
Classification of the drug
Acyclovir is a type of antiviral medicine that is used to treat herpes virus infections.
Follow up required
To treat Genital Herpes, follow-up with a healthcare provider is recommended. After the initial treatment, a healthcare provider will monitor the patient’s symptoms and may recommend additional tests or treatments if necessary.
Management of sexual partners
It is important to inform any sexual partner of a diagnosis of Genital Herpes. Those with sexual contact with an infected individual should be tested and treated if necessary (Hazra et al., 2022). It is important to practice safe sex and to use barrier methods to prevent the spread of the virus
Dealing with a pregnant patient
When dealing with Genital Herpes in a pregnant patient, special consideration should be taken. Acyclovir is a safe option for pregnant women. However, consulting with a healthcare provider before beginning treatment is important. It is also important to take the medication exactly as prescribed and to follow up with a healthcare provider to monitor the progression of symptoms.
References
D’Affronte, L., & Platia, C. L. (2019). Overview of Infectious Diseases of Concern to Dental Practitioners: Other Viral Infections. Infection Control in the Dental Office, 21–49. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30085-2_3
Hazra, A., Collison, M. W., & Davis, A. M. (2022). CDC Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. JAMA, 327(9), 870. https://doi.org/10.1001/
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Question 
You will use the following CDC website to complete this discussion: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/Links to an external site.
You can use the “browse guidelines online” tab or the PDF version available on the CDC webpage.
Genital Herpes Discussion
Topics to choose from:
Trichomoniasis (under the tab labeled vulvovaginal itching….)
Items to include in your initial discussion post about your “chosen topic.” This post should be in a numbered format, with any lists put in bullet format and concise. It should not exceed 500 words.
1. Diagnosis
2. Prevalence
3. Causative organism
4. Diagnostic considerations (tests to verify diagnosis)
5. First-line treatment (only list one treatment)- name of medication, dosage, frequency
6. Classification of the drug
7. Follow-up required for this diagnosis/treatment
8. Management of sexual partners
9. Consideration with pregnancy
10 Reference (list CDC in appropriate APA format)