Herpes Infection Specialist Doctor In Mumbai Herpes simplex virus ( HSV ) is a common sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Although HSV – 2 has historically been the main causative agent for virologically confirmed genital infections, HSV – 1 is associated with an increasing proportion of cases of genital herpes. Among susceptible sexual partners, there is greater risk of HSV acquisition when the source is male. The infection can even be transmitted by those who are asymptomatic. In some patients, the initial presentation can be severe with painful genital ulcers and in others, the infection may be mild or entirely asymptomatic. There can be recurrent genital HSV infections but are typically less severe than the initial infection. For those with evidence of infection, the diagnosis of HSV is best confirmed through PCR testing of a sample obtained from an active lesion. For those without active lesion, serology testing can be considered. For most asymptomatic adults, routine serologic screening for HSV -1 or HSV – 2 is not indicated. Antiviral therapy decreases the duration and severity of disease by days to weeks with minimal adverse drug effects and reduce the development of new lesions. It is prudent to take guidance from a specialist at the earliest to initiate the antiviral therapy. Counselling by a specialist, at the time of diagnosis of HSV infection is important to educate the patient regarding the high probability of recurrence and prevention of transmission to sexual partners. There are no effective prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine currently available.