Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a virus. It can be spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be transmitted without sexual contact.
Symptoms of Herpes
- A tingling or itching feeling just before a sore appears.
- Small, painful sores on or around the mouth (cold sores) or the genital area.
- The sore then bursts or "weeps," developing into a scab that eventually heals within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Swollen glands.
- Fever.
- Achy Feeling.
- Sometimes, no symptoms at all. Many people infected with herpes (some say over 50%) do not know they have the virus.
- Direct contact with the virus. There can be hundreds or even thousands of viruses living in each active sore. The active viruses can live on the skin from the first sign of symptoms until the sore heals.
- If the viruses come in contact with any thin area of the skin, such as the mouth, genitals or eye area.
- If the viruses come in contact with a cut, scratch or abrasion.
- If you touch a herpes sore then touch your own body.
There is currently no cure for herpes. The viruses can even live on the skin when the sores have gone away. They are "inactive" in this stage. The viruses enter the nerve cells near the healed sores. Usually, the virus cannot be transmitted when there are no symptoms; however, active viruses may still be present on the skin.
Herpes Recurrences
- Some people with herpes only suffer through one outbreak. The virus then remains inactive forever.
- Others experience recurrences, but with less discomfort. Sores also last fewer days.
- It's unknown why different people have different amounts of recurrences.
- There is no cure for herpes.
- Oral herpes can be treated with anti-viral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir. These medications can sometimes supress recurrences and reduce the severity of outbreaks.
- Episodic treatment medication can be prescribed by your doctor as each outbreak occurs.
- Suppressive treatment medication can be prescribed by your doctor as a daily treatment to reduce the amount of outbreaks.
- Use latex condoms without Nonoxynol-9.
- Get tested for STD's.
- Don't have sex with anyone you think may have an STD.
- Don't have sex while using drugs or alcohol. This can impair your judgement when it comes to using protection.
- Do not engage in oral sex without a condom or when there are cuts or abrasions present in your mouth.
