Genital herpes in older women: a silent epidemic.
OBJECTIVE
To present an overview of the prevalence of genital herpes in older women and to present case studies of older women diagnosed with genital herpes in a geriatric practice in the southeastern United States.


METHODS
Review of current scientific literature and treatment/practice guidelines. Specific descriptive cases are reviewed to illustrate the clinical problem.


CONCLUSIONS
Genital herpes is an important differential diagnosis to include when assessing and treating older women for recurrent genital symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the large numbers of older individuals potentially infected with genital herpes, the nurse practitioner (NP) is well positioned to accurately diagnose and initiate treatment that can improve quality of life. The NP's skill in education and counseling is essential to the ongoing management of genital herpes infections.
Hoff
Janice
J
Internal Medicine and Senior Health, West Florida Hospital, Pensacola, Florida 32514, USA. janice.hoff@hcahealthcare.com
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003704:Dementia; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000998:Antiviral Agents