Learn About Genital Herpes - Your Guide To Manage Herpes In Your Life
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Herpes Simplex Virus In Children Article
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Herpes: Understanding If You Can Be Exposed
from:Herpes is one of those diseases that 'other people' get, right?
Wrong. In fact, the sad truth is that many people will contract
this disease without even realizing that they are at risk.
Knowing what it is, what symptoms are, and how to seek out
treatment is necessary. You need to understand, then, that
anyone engaging in sex can be exposed to herpes.
Overview
First, you need to know what herpes is. There are two main forms
that you are likely to come into contact with. The first type is
oral herpes which effects the mouth and face. Then, there is
genital herpes. There are two different viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2
that cause these conditions. The viruses live on nerves. They
live in the nerves but travel up to the skin or mucous membrane
to duplicate. This is called shedding. Then, it travels back
down into the nerve and can remain there, dormant for a period
of time.
The sad fact is that about 20 percent of all individuals living
in the United States have HSV-2, which is the virus that causes
genital herpes. But, HSV-1, the virus that causes oral herpes is
present in upwards of 50-80 percent of adults! The sad part of
this equation is that up to 90% of those who have herpes do not
even know they have it.
It is spread from person to person. Oral herpes can be spread
during kissing. Genital herpes is spread most often by vaginal
sex and anal sex. But, it can be spread during oral sex as well.
It is important to know, though, that herpes needs a living
being to live off of. That means that you can not catch it from
things others have touched.
Can You Prevent Genital Herpes?
So, if this many people can be carriers for the virus, how are
you to protect yourself? This is no easy task but there are
several things that you can do to help protect you from
contracting genital herpes.
Whenever you engage in sex of any type, make sure that
you take precautions against all sexually transmitted diseases.
The use of a condom can help to reduce the likelihood of
contracting the virus. But, this too is not a sure prevention of
herpes. It is only useful to protect against herpes that is
shedding in which the condom prevents contact with those areas.
The best way to prevent against contacting herpes is by
not engaging in sexual acts whenever there are active sores on
the genitals. Also, you should not engage in oral sex if either
partner has the virus. Likewise, you should not allow anyone
with oral herpes to give you oral sex either. The oral virus can
become the genital herpes virus in this case.
Unfortunately, even this can be only partial coverage.
The fact is that the viruses that cause herpes are contagious
even when there are no visible signs of it. In this case, the
only thing that can be done is to abstain from contact.
The Symptoms And What To Do
Knowing what the symptoms of the virus are will help you to take
care of the problem if you should have it.
The most obvious sign of herpes is the sores that you
will get. A cluster of small blisters that are fluid filled will
form. They will then break and cause painful sores. These sores
crust over and heal eventually. This process is likely to take
several days for its full course.
A rash or small bumps is also an indication of an
infection.
Painful urination can happen.
A fluid discharge from the vagina is also a sign of
infection.
Flu like symptoms can be present when individuals first
get the virus. Swollen lymph glands in the groin and a fever can
accompany the flu like symptoms.
Prior to an outbreak, individuals may experience
itching, burning or pain running up and down the leg.
Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all.
If you have any of these symptoms or fear that you may have been
exposed to the herpes virus, you should seek medical attention.
Tell your doctor your concerns. Antiviral drugs are often used
to help those who have the virus. Unfortunately, there is no
cure for the virus. Medications can make outbreaks less
frequents and less painful, though. Zovirax, Famvir, and Valtrex
are three commonly used drugs used to treat the virus. Seeking
medical attention can help you to understand how you will live
with the condition.
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