Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is referred to as type 1 (HSV1) or type 2 (HSV2). It causes painful blisters to appear on the genitals and the surrounding areas. Genital herpes can be passed to others through sexual contact.
HSV1 is acquired orally and the most common symptom is cold sores. HSV2 is acquired through sexual contact and affects mainly the genital area.
The herpes simplex is a virus and works as such. It causes ulcers or sores such as cold sores or genital blisters. It is an effective virus, but one the human immune system is equipped to fight. Of those people infected with the virus, the majority of them are asymptomatic.
It is passed through sexual contact, so is regarded as a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). This is because the moist skin that lines the mouth, genitals and anus is the most susceptible to infection.
The virus can also enter the body through a cut or abrasion on the skin. If the wound comes into contact with a cold sore for example, the virus can pass into the body. This is rare, but does happen occasionally.
If symptoms do occur in the infected, they appear between 2 and 8 days after contracting the virus. The symptoms will generally last up to a month, then disappear.
Symptoms include:
>> Itching or tingling sensation in the genital or anal area
>> Small fluid-filled blisters that burst leaving small sores
>> Flu-like symptoms, including swollen glands or fever
>> Pain when passing urine over the open sores (especially in women)
>> Headaches
>> Backache
Any of these symptoms can be caused by a number of things, which is why the virus is difficult to identify. The initial symptoms will disappear, only to reappear at random times. Not everyone will display the initial outbreak, let alone further ones.
As each outbreak appears, the symptoms become less and less. This is because the immune system fights the virus effectively and suppresses it when it arises. Anyone, including those who have been previously asymptomatic, may display symptoms when under stress or ill with something else. The weakness of the immune system as it fights something else can allow the virus to surface again.
There is no “cure” for the herpes simplex virus. Once the virus has been contracted, it stays within the body for life. However, once the immune system has dealt with it, the effects and symptoms can often never appear again. The virus will still be present, and can be passed on, but symptoms do not always follow.
In the vast majority of cases, herpes is more an annoyance than a health threat. However, in a small minority of people, the sores can become infected and lead to other diseases or infections.
Having herpes doesn’t impact fertility. However, if the virus is contracted in the first three months of pregnancy there is a chance of miscarriage. Contracting the virus while pregnant also has a heightened risk of passing it to the baby. Seek medical advice in either of these situations.
It is possible to pass herpes on to the unborn child, the chances are currently 4 in 10. Those who suffer a serious outbreak around delivery time will be recommended for a Caesarian section so as to avoid passing the infection to the baby. Herpes in a child can become severe, so prevention is better than the cure.
It’s difficult to protect yourself, or a partner against something if you don’t know you have it. That’s why infection rates are so high. If symptoms do surface, it’s best to avoid contact with others until they have passed.
Avoid :
# Kissing or performing oral sex when with cold sores around the mouth
# Having oral sex when oral or genital sores are present
# Having any genital or anal contact, even using a condom with genital sores
# Using saliva to moisten contact lenses with sores around the mouth
A good personal hygiene regimen helps prevent infection. Washing hands before and after touching affected areas is vital, especially if there are children around.
How do I find out if I have Herpes? A quick at home test.
The HSV-1/2 Rapid Test is a dual unit, membrane-based immunoassay for the qualitative determination, either in heparinized capillary whole blood taken by fingerstick or in serum, of circulating IgG antibodies specific for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which arise as a result of infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2.
The package includes two tests; one for HSV1 and another for HSV-2.
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