S3E8 - Australian HSV Clinical Management

Welcome to Season 3 of AMC Clinical Deep Dive! Often highly stigmatised, genital herpes (HSV) requires both clinical and compassionate psychosocial management. This episode deconstructs the ASHM guidelines to elevate your OSCE performance. Learn key diagnostic rules (why we use ulcer NAAT and avoid asymptomatic serology) and master first-line treatment protocols (Valaciclovir for initial, episodic, and suppressive therapy). We cover critical pregnancy suppression starting from 36 weeks to prevent neonatal transmission, outline essential symptomatic relief advice, and highlight vital safety-netting for neuropathic bladder. Best of all: learn how to counsel patients confidently without recommending contact tracing. #AMCClinicalExam #GenitalHerpes #OSCE #HSV #ValaciclovirProtocol #PregnancyHSVSuppression #IMGAustralia #ASHMGuidelines #PsychosocialCounselling #NeonatalHerpes #UrinaryRetention Pro Tip: In your OSCE, the path to an "Excellent" grade lies in high-level clinical safety and empathy! First, never forget to screen for the rare but dangerous complication of neuropathic bladder—explicitly warning the patient that if they cannot pass urine, they must go to the emergency department for urgent catheterisation. Second, score major communication marks by using the "days or years" rule to reassure patients that a new outbreak does not automatically mean partner infidelity. Finally, clearly state that contact tracing is not recommended and HSV is not a notifiable disease in Australia, but offer the excellent patient resource website www.herpes.org.nz as part of your management plan! 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episodes in ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Season 1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (150 clinical scenarios) have been indexed by topic, patient group, discipline, setting, and more to support targeted learning. Use the filters to locate discussions relevant to your study or clinical training.