Herpes
HerpesHerpes is one of the common of more than 30 different sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) in America today. Herpes is an infection that is caused by one of two closely related viruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both of which are very easily caught, have similar symptoms, and can occur on different parts of the body. Even though it is most common to see the virus HSV-1 appear as oral herpes and to see the virus HSV-2 appear as genital herpes.
Most often herpes is a relatively harmless disease that is rarely life threatening. The most common form of herpes is oral herpes and usually shows up on the lips or inside of the mouth as “cold sores” or “fever blisters”. Cold sores are common in young children who acquire them from being exposed to active cold sores of adults and other children. This form of herpes is annoying but harmless in both children and adult, but is however very harmful to a newborn. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish whether or not someone has been exposed to the other form of herpes, genital herpes. This is because there are very often no symptoms that go along with the virus. This is not always the case though and when symptoms do occur they are often seen as a cluster of blister sores, usually on the vagina, vulva, cervix, penis, or anus. For genital herpes, symptoms may last several weeks, go away but only to return again weeks, months, or even years later. Symptoms may also include pain in the infected area, itching, burning feeling if urine flows over sores, and possibly an inability to urinate if severely swollen from many sores. Very severe outbreaks may have symptoms that include swollen and tender lymph glands in the groin, throat, or under the arms, and even flu-like feelings such as fever, chills, headache, and a general run down feeling.
The spread of herpes may be attributed to a variety of activities ranging from touching and kissing to more intimate activities such as vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. The time when the virus is most likely to be spread is when the sores, such as cold sores or fever blisters, are open and weeping, during this time the virus may be spread from one partner to another or from one part of the body to another. Although the chance of getting genital herpes from an infected partner whom has no symptoms are only about 10 out of every hundred or 10 percent. It is unlikely, however, that contact with toilet seats, moist towels or similar objects spread herpes. The most commonly infected areas are moist areas of the mouth, anus, vulva, vagina, penis, or the eyes.
Even though herpes in many cases is easily spread between two individuals, it is definitely possible to prevent the spreading of herpes to others. There are usually early warning signs before a breakout occurs such as tingling, burning, and itching where sores were before. These warning signs may start a few hours or even a day before the sores flare up. At first sight of any warning signs, all sexual contact should be stopped and should avoid sexual contact until all sores and scabs are gone. People who have herpes can use condoms to try and reduce the risk of spreading it to their partners when they are no symptoms present, but condoms do not offer complete protection when sores are present. Touching the sores may spread herpes to other parts of the body, to prevent spreading wash hands with soap and water after touching the sores, after going to the bathroom, before rubbing your eyes when you wake up, or before touching a contact lens. Also if cold sores are present do not kiss anyone, especially infants, children, or pregnant women.
Even though herpes is not a deadly disease, it is still very annoying and may become a great inconvenience if the person infected is sexually active. There is also hope for relieving symptoms related herpes such as taking a warm bath or using non-herbal tea bags on sores. Loose clothing may also help and because moisture can slow the healing process it is recommended to keep the sores dry by sprinkling cornstarch directly on sores. For those people who have more than six outbreaks a year may be prescribed a daily dosage of acyclovir, famiciclovir, or valcyclovir, which may reduce the frequency of recurrences or weaken the virus. At least one out of four Americans between 15 and 55 will get at least one sexually transmitted disease, so be prepared!