Herpes Virus
Herpes (or genital herpes) is a life-long viral infection that may result in groups of small blisters that could break into small ulcers. While there is no cure for herpes, the general symptoms for herpes will take about a week or more to heal, and it won’t occur again unless the immune system of the body is weakened. This symptom for herpes is also called “herpes outbreak” For some people, having an outbreak for the first time may cause other symptoms such as body aches, or fever too. Herpes outbreak may occur several times over a person’s life, but form the second time onward are going to be shorter and less severe than the initial outbreak. Herpes can be divided into two types based on the area of infection.
- Mild herpes This form of herpes usually shows up in a few small blisters either on the lips or the genitals and can be mistaken for pimples. Mild herpes can occur several times, depending on when a person’s immune system is weakened from any means (lack of sleep, tired of work, and so on).
- How to get rid of herpes? It is not possible to get rid of herpes entirely. The best method that you can do is either avoid getting it in the first place by not having any skin contact with someone having symptoms or try to stay healthy as much as possible if you’re already infected.
Type of Herpes
- Herpes-type 1 (HSV-1) : This type of herpes is often called “Oral herpes or herpes on the lip” It may result in one or more small blisters around the mouth, at the gums, herpes on tongue, or at the roof of the mouth. Many people never get any symptoms despite unknowingly carrying HSV-1 in their body, as they may have been infected during childhood or young adulthood from other people’s saliva.
- Herpes-type 2 (HSV-2) : This type is generally known as “Genital herpes” While the other type is transmitted from saliva, this type is transmitted through skin contact during sex. Some people may get the genital herpes symptoms around the mouth after having oral sex as well, so it’s not necessarily restricted to one area of infection, and the same goes to HSV-1 that can occur around the genitals area.
Herpes causes?
Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) that spreads through skin contact or saliva.
- Herpes in men and women Both men and women will get the same symptoms for herpes, but genital herpes in women is more likely to occur due to their period that makes their body weaker for the time being.
Herpes Treatment and medication
Even though herpes can heal itself after 2-4 weeks, you can use the medication to speed up the recovery time. This medication is in the form of an ointment and should be administered as instructed by the physician.
What is oral herpes
HSV-1 can cause oral herpes, which result in fever blisters on or around the mouth (cold sores). Most people do not show symptoms. Many people with oral herpes may have been infected during childhood or young adulthood from non-sexual contact with saliva.
What is the link between genital herpes and oral herpes
Oral herpes is caused by HSV-1, and can be spread from the mouth to the genitals through oral sex. This is why some cases of genital herpes are caused by HSV-1.
How is genital herpes spread
Through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the disease by way of:
- A herpes sore
- Skin in the oral area or in the genital area of your partner
- Saliva (if your partner has an oral herpes infection) or genital secretions (if your partner has a genital herpes infection)
How can I reduce my risk of getting genital herpes
Abstinence from vaginal, anal or oral sex is the only way to avoid STDs, but if you are sexually active, the following are things to lower the chances of contracted genital herpes:
- Be in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STD test results;
- Use latex condoms correctly each time you have sex
Condoms cannot fully protect you from getting herpes, as herpes can appear in areas not covered by condoms. Herpes can spread through skin to skin contact
If you are in a relationship with someone who has genital herpes, you can lower the risk of infection by the following:
- Have your partner take anti-herpes medication every day
- Avoid having vaginal, anal or oral sex when your partner has herpes symptoms (i.e. herpes outbreak)
What are the common symptoms
Usually there are mild to no symptoms. Often times, pimples or ingrown hairs are mistaken as herpes.
