STDS/STIS

Herpes

Description

The herpes simplex virus or "herpes" is an incurable non-lethal infection for people with a healthy immune system. This illness can be seen in one of two forms, Type 1 is labial herpes, this is the virus responsible for cold sores and is not considered an STD!

Type 2 is genital herpes which is a very problematic STD. Herpes is incurable and will reoccur over the course of your life time. The virus is so hard to get rid of because when it first enters the body, it multiplies quickly and invades your cells destroying them. Your bodies immune system will combat and kill the active virus, but Herpes will travel up nerve pathways where your immune system cannot go and get inside nerve cells where they stay in a dormant state. It is unknown why they stay inactive for a time but the virus will reactivate and you will have a new outbreak.

Symptoms

Once you are infected it will take two too twenty days to see the first signs of the herpes virus. Labial herpes affects both genders in the same way with blisters form on the lips and interior of the mouth. Genital herpes will effect men and women in several ways however. Both men and women will experience painful urination, itching of the genital area, and the emergence of blisters on their genitals. The blisters caused by herpies will usually look like a group of tiny, red, painful spots, which develop into yellowish blisters, which then burst. What remains are ulcers which are painful to touch and will heal-up in about 10 days.

While you are in this stage of your outbreak it is common to suffer from a fever, loss of appetite and/or swelling in the genital area. Women will find the vulva is infected resulting in pain during urinating. Furthermore, the virus can often be carried into the vagina to infect the cervix. If this occurs, your physician will most likely ask the woman to have a Pap test as the risk of cervical cancer is higher in the presence of herpes. Men on the other hand usually have blisters appear on the head of their penis or on the testicular area.

Transmission

Herpes is very contagious, and spreading the infection is almost guaranteed when the blisters are visible. Most people spread herpes through close physical contact like kissing or any form of sexual intercourse. It is important to note that the virus is destroyed by heat and chlorine, so hot tubs, steam rooms, and pools are not a place where you can be infected.

To protect your self from or your partner from a outbreak of herpes you must refrain from sex till the outbreak is over. Even if you use a condom, if any fluids leak from one partner to the other then herpes can be contracted. See your doctor at the first signs of any kind of rash or discomfort to discern if it is indeed herpes, and what can be done to protect yourself and your partner. A pregnant mother can spread the illness to her newborn at delivery if she is in the middle of an outbreak. If blisters are present during childbirth, they typically a caesarian section is performed to protect the child.

Treatment

Herpes cant be cured, as such all treatment is directed at relieving discomfort and preventing secondary infection. Currently, a drug called Oral Acyclovir is being used to combat the effects of labial herpes.

Keep the site clean and avoid touching sores, if you touch a sore wash your hands with soap and hot water IMMEDIATELY. Some anti-viral drugs may also be useful in treating herpes. Please consult a physician before attempting to use any form of treatment.