Half or More of all Sexually Mature Americans are Infected
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) are viral infections. Unlike most other viral infections, the herpes virus will stay in your body for a lifetime.
HSV-1, also known as oral herpes, usually causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth. It can be transmitted to another through kissing or oral sex while the cold sore or fever blisters are present and sometimes even when no symptoms are apparent. Oral herpes is the most common of all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
HSV-2, also known as genital herpes, causes much the same kind of symptoms in the genital area. HSV-2 is not as common as HSV-1. But about one in five adults has genital herpes. Most adults with genital herpes are unaware that they are infected. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for genital herpes. It could be transmitted through vaginal sex, anal sex, or oral sex.
It is possible to have genital herpes around the mouth and oral herpes in the genital area. This crossover can occur as a result of oral sex.
Herpes Simplex – What Exactly is it?
The herpes virus is commonly transmitted by skin-to-skin contact; usually by kissing or sexual intercourse. An infected area must come into contact with a mucous membrane, such as in the mouth or vagina. It is seldom life threatening, but it can be serious if contacted by very young children or if it gets into the eyes. Pregnant women should take precautions to ensure that their unborn child doesn't become infected.
Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is generally a mild condition and is often mistaken for other skin conditions such as insect bites, yeast infection, jock itch, hemorrhoids, or ingrown hairs.
Most people contact oral herpes while they are children by receiving a kiss from an infected friend or adult. In many cases the adult may not even know that they have herpes or that it is contagious.
Common Symptoms
- Watch for sores, blisters, cuts, pimples, bumps, or a rash around the mouth or the genital area.
- Itching, burning, or tingling in the genital area often precedes an outbreak.
- Flu-like symptoms such as headache or fever can accompany an outbreak.
- Swollen glands in lymph nodes near the groin can accompany an outbreak.
- Painful urination or discharge from the vagina or penis (possible but uncommon) should be treated by a doctor immediately.
Only a medical test can diagnose herpes. If you have an outbreak (sores or blisters), see your doctor within 48 hours for the most accurate diagnosis.
Is There a Cure?
The simple answer is no. That doesn't mean, however, that herpes can't be treated.
- First of all, see your doctor if you experience any of the common symptoms. Blood tests can determine whether or not you have herpes and which type it might be.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three drugs for treatment of herpes symptoms: Zovirax®, Famvir®, and Valtrex®. These medications can speed up the healing process but will not cure herpes.
- Some people take these prescription drugs regularly to suppress outbreaks. Ask your doctor about the benefits and the risks.
- Over-the-counter creams and ointments are NOT recommended to treat genital herpes since they can interfere with the healing process and cause genital outbreaks to last longer. Keep the area clean and as dry as possible. Allowing the area to get air can help speed the healing process.
How to Avoid Herpes Simplex
Herpes can be passed to another in a number of ways, usually (but not always) when symptoms are present.
- If you have oral herpes symptoms, do not kiss others or perform oral sex until all symptoms are gone.
- If you have genital herpes, do not have sexual intercourse until all signs have healed. Genital herpes can be transmitted sexually when symptoms are present and sometimes when symptoms are not present. So...
- If you are infected, whether or not you show symptoms, always use latex condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Always communicate with your partners about herpes or other STDs before having any sexual contact.
- Use medications that are prescribed by your doctor.
- Remember that at this time there is no cure. Herpes, for now, is forever.
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