Summary:
The herpes viruses are endemic worldwide. About 90% to 95% of humans become infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV) during their life spans. Two strains of HSV exist: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Traditionally, HSV-1 has been responsible for about 80% of herpes virus infections above the waist (e.g., herpetic lesions of the lips, face, and mouth) and 20% of genital infections. The reverse has been true for HSV-2, which causes 80% of herpes virus infections below the waist (i.e., Herpes genitalis) and 20% of oral infections. However, the traditional HSV-1/HSV-2 ratio seems to be changing in younger women. Several recent studies in the United States show that HSV-1 oral herpes may be responsible for up to more than 40% of genital herpes among younger patients.
Objectives:
The purpose of this program is to provide healthcare providers with up-to-date information on HSV infections and the role of asymptomatic shedding in their transmission. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to:
- Describe the clinical presentations of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections.
- Explain the role of asymptomatic shedding in the transmission of HSV.
- Discuss two ways that an infection with HSV-2 can increase the risk of acquiring HIV.
Accreditation Information
This course is intended for multiple professions, including nurses and physicians.
Physicians: Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.
In support of improving patient care, OnCourse Learning (a Relias LLC company) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
OnCourse Learning is also approved by the Florida Board of Medicine, Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and Florida Physician Assistants (provider # FBN 50-1489).
Physician Continuing Education Credit
OnCourse Learning designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Physician Assistant Continuing Education Credit
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician assistants may receive a maximum of 1.0 hour of Category I credit for completing this program.
Disclosures
There is no commercial support provided for this online educational activity.
Course Originally Released on:
8/22/2012
Date of Most Recent Review:
10/22/2019
Course Termination/Update Date:
10/22/2022
Unless stated above, the planners and authors of this course have declared no relevant conflicts of interest that relate to this educational activity. Relias LLC guarantees this educational activity is free from bias.
Please see CE Course Instructions to learn how to earn CE credit for this module.
For Florida professionals:
This course completion will be electronically reported to CE Broker as required per Florida Statute 456.025(7). Click here to view your CE Broker transcript and check the status of your CE requirements with a FREE 7-day CE Broker trial subscription. It may take up to 24 hours for the course to appear on your CE Broker transcript.
It is now required that all CE is completed and reported to CE Broker before you renew your license. When you complete continuing education with us, OnCourse Learning will report your hours for you.
Read more about the new license renewal process at AreYouRenewalReady.com and claim your free Basic Account in CE Broker to see what has already been reported for you.
Please check the licenses/certifications section under my account (after logging in) to make sure you have entered a valid FL license number. This information is required for correct reporting of your course completions to CE Broker.
