What is it:
There are two forms of herpes: herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is a form of herpes linked to oral cold sores and blisters around the mouth. HSV-2 is another form of herpes which causes genital sores. Both forms can infect the genital, oral or both areas.
About one million people get herpes every year. Once you are infected with the virus, it remains in your body for life. Although the infection cannot be cured, it will go through cycles: There will be times where it will be completely dormant and there are times when it will break out. In the US, one out of every six people from ages 14 to 49 years old has genital herpes. Herpes is more common in women than in men.
Causes:
- Kissing
- Touching/intimacy
- Vaginal or anal intercourse
- Oral sex
Herpes can be passed from the mouth to the genitals or from the genitals to the mouth through oral sex. However, if you have HSV-1 or HSV-2 you can only transfer that type to the genitals or mouth of your partner. When the sores are present, until the time they have scabbed off and healed fully, the virus is most contagious. Although, when there are no symptoms the virus is still contagious. Mucus membranes (on the mouth, anus, vagina, penis, eyes, etc.) are areas that contain the highest susceptibility potential. Herpes can also be transmitted through any type of general contact such as sharing a toothbrush, utensils, or any object.
Symptoms:
Symptoms usually appear anywhere from two to twenty days after infection is initially transmitted, but it may also take years before any of these symptoms appear:
- Recurring rash
- Clusters sores (itchy, painful, blistering) near or on the vagina, cervix, penis, anus, buttocks, mouth, or anywhere else on the body.
- Ulcerations (often painful) after blisters break open
First episode:
- Pain/discomfort around infected areas
- Itching/burning during urination
- Swollen glands in the groin
- Fever
- Headache
- Run-down feeling
Recurrences:
Recurrences are common and often due to lifestyle, emotional, psychological, physical or health-related stresses. During these times, it is very important to avoid touching the sores and wash your hands frequently in order to avoid spreading the infection to other parts of your body or other people. Here are some other factors that can cause outbreaks:
- Menstruation
- Mild to serious illnesses or conditions (common cold, etc.)
- Fatigue
- Weak immune system
- Direct trauma to the area
- Sexual activity
Getting a diagnosis:
- Blood test
- Fluid (from sores) examination
Treatment:
There is no cure for herpes. But, with anti-herpes drugs, the symptoms can be mitigated and the number of occurrences can be reduced. These drugs can help to reduce the pain, duration and healing time of outbreaks, making it much more manageable to deal with.
Prevention:
If you or your partner have herpes, you should not participate in sexual intimacy or any form of intercourse while a breakout is occurring until seven days after the scabs have completely healed. People with herpes can also take drugs that help reduce the risk of passing the infection on to their partner. Condoms are a great way to reduce your risk of infection, but herpes outbreaks often occur on areas that go beyond the coverage a condom provides.
Works Cited
“Genital Herpes – CDC Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Feb. 2016. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.
“Herpes Simplex Virus: Type 1 and Type 2 Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment.” WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.
Planned Parenthood. Sexually Transmitted Infections. N.p.: Planned Parenthood Federation of America, 2010. Print.