Herpes Facts and FAQS

Herpes facts, particularly very accurate herpes facts, are very important for anyone who is afflicted with genital herpes, or who has an intimate relationship with someone who suffers from the herpes simplex virus. This article is intended to provide a compendium of herpes facts in the form of herpes FAQS (frequently asked questions):
Q: Can herpes be cured?
A: No, one of the the most important herpes facts is the the disease is incurable. Once you have been infected, it will stay with you for life.
Q: What causes genital herpes?
A: Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is most often the trigger for genital herpes, but the oral herpes virus (HSV-1) that causes cold sores has been known to cause genital outbreaks as well. The herpes simplex virus is virtually always transmitted through genital, oral and anal sexual contact, though a woman can pass the infection on to her newborn during childbirth.
Q: Symptoms of genital herpes - what are they?
A: Severe genital herpes outbreaks are characterized by painful blisters and sores on, in and around the genital area, often accompanied by flu like symptoms, swelling, and burning urination. An oncoming outbreak may be signaled by a tingling sensation or itching followed by the emergence of small reddened bumps that precede the eruption of blisters. The primal herpes outbreak, the first after infection, is usally the worst lasting as long as three weeks, and is typically followed be recurrent outbreaks every few weeks or months in 85% of cases. The recurrent outbreaks may lessen in severity and frequency over time. However, in some cases, symptoms may be so mild as to go unnoticed, and an infected person may be totally unaware that they are a carrier and potential transmitter of genital herpes
More Herpes Facts
Q: Who is at risk for acquiring genital herpes?
A: Anyone who is engaged in a sexual relationship with an infected person is at risk. This is particularly problematic for relationships with those who are unaware that they are carrying the disease. The practice of unsafe, or unprotected sex is, in any case, a factor for increased risk. Condom use is always recommended for those who practice sex with new or multiple partners, though condoms are not a complete guarantee of protection.
Q: Can oral herpes be a sexually transmitted disease?
A: Unequivocally, yes. Oral herpes (HSV-1) can be tranferred to the genital region via oral - genital sex, and result in the same symptoms as those caused by HSV-2. HSV-2 can also be acquired orally. Oral sex is certainly no safer than genital sex with regard to herpes transmission.
Q: Can I acquire genital herpes from other than through sexual contact?
A: Generally, no. However, realize that even non-sexual touching could potentially result in transmission from contact with active lesions. It is considered unlikely that the disease would be contracted from shared hot tubs, towels, soap and toilet seats as the virus cannot survive for long outside the body. However, it is better to be safe than sorry, so take precautions in any case.
Q: How are genital herpes, chicken pox and shingles related?
A: All are caused by variants of the herpes virus family. Genital herpes results from the herpes simplex virus. Chicken pox is caused by the VZV, or varicella zoster virus, but typically does not recur as does genital herpes. Shingles is also caused by VZV, and generally afflicts persons later in life. A vaccine is available which is said to significantly reduce the likelihood of a shingles attack. This is an opportunity all seniors should take advantage of.
Q: Why do genital herpes attacks reoccur?
A: Once you have acquired the infection, the herpes simplex virus stays in your body, essentially impervious to attack from your natural immune system. Most of the time the virus remains dormant, but can be periodically reactivated, often by stress. Some do not experience additional outbreaks after a primary attack, but upwards of 85% do, though frequency and severity may lessen over time.
Q: Can HSV-2 be passed on, even though no active symptoms are present?
A: Decidedly, yes. The term "asymptomatic viral shedding" describes the event and potential for passing on the virus from one to another, even though no apparent symptoms are present. Oftentimes, symptoms are so subtle so as to be either unnoticed, or mistaken for other ailments. It is believed that the majority herpes transmission cases occur when the infected person is completely unaware of their condition, and unknowingly pass it on. Therefore, the practice of safe sex always is today's sexual culture imperative, particularly if you are sexually involved with multiple partners. Realize, however, that the use of condoms, while partially effective at reducing risk, is no guarantee.
Q: What are the dangers of herpes in pregnancy?
A: The primary danger is of passing the disease on to a newborn during birth, which can happen if active lesions are present in the birth canal. If this occurs, the disease can be devastating to a newborn who has built no natural immunity. It is important that your attending physician be aware of your condition. It is very important to avoid contracting the disease during pregnancy, particularly in latter stages, a neither the mother nor child has little time to build natural antibodies. If there is risk present, cesarean section is the preferred means of birth.
Additional Herpes Facts
Q: What can I do if I suspect that I have genital herpes?
A: Consult your doctor as soon a possible to verify your suspicion. HSV-1 or HSV-2 type specific antibody detecting herpes blood tests can be employed by your doctor to do so. If it is confirmed that you are infected, your physician can recommend a proper course of treatment to help relieve the severity and frequency of symptoms.
Q: How can I avoid contracting genital herpes, if my sexual partner has the herpes simplex virus?
A: There is no way to guarantee that you will not contract the disease, particularly in an extended, sexually active relationship. However, the consistent and careful practice of safe sex can help. Use of condoms is necessary at all times, and total abstinence is imperative during times of active lesions. In addition, your partner should be using anti viral medications to help control the disease and reduce the likelihood of viral shedding.
Q: I already suffer from genital herpes. How can I possibly have a normal partner relationship, or even a normal life:
A: While genital herpes will always be a significant burden, it is certainly possible to live a normal socially active life. The most important thing is that you be totally up front with potential sexual partners about your condition, so that they can make a well informed decision themselves about furthering the relationship.
Please feel free to refer to the list of recent articles in the left sidebar of this page for much greater detail about herpes facts.
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