HSV_Flashcards
Where should patients with suspected HSV be referred?
Patients with suspected HSV should be referred to a GUM clinic to confirm or refute infection using PCR and to screen for other STIs.
What is the treatment for a first episode of genital HSV?
The treatment for a first episode of genital HSV is oral acyclovir 400mg TDS for 5 days.
What is the management if the HSV infection occurred in the 1st or 2nd trimester?
If infection occurred in the 1st or 2nd trimester, recommend daily suppressive oral acyclovir (400mg TDS) from 36 weeks’ gestation until delivery and offer vaginal delivery.
What is the management if the HSV infection occurred in the 3rd trimester?
If infection occurred in the 3rd trimester, prescribe oral acyclovir (400mg TDS) until delivery and recommend delivery by elective C-section, particularly if infection within 6 weeks of delivery. If the woman chooses vaginal delivery, recommend intrapartum IV acyclovir to the mother and IV acyclovir to the neonate after birth.
What precautions should be taken during labour if there are genital lesions?
Avoid artificial rupture of membranes and invasive procedures during labour if there are genital lesions.
What is the treatment for a recurrent episode of genital HSV?
The treatment for a recurrent episode of genital HSV is 400mg TDS oral acyclovir from 36 weeks’ gestation until delivery. Episodes are usually self-limiting and resolve in 7-10 days without treatment.
What is the recommendation for delivery if a woman has a recurrent episode of genital HSV?
Offer vaginal delivery for recurrent episodes of genital HSV and avoid artificial rupture of membranes and invasive procedures during labour if there are genital lesions.
