Herpes is a super common sexually transmitted infection which takes its name from the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes can be oral or genital. It spreads through the exchange of body fluids (kissing, oral, vaginal, or anal sex).
Genital herpes is more prevalent in women than men. One in five women in the reproductive age group have genital herpes, compared with one in 10 men ages 14 to 49. Although there is no 100% cure for genital herpes, the infection can be managed with medications that kill viruses (i.e., antivirals) and self-care measures to prevent outbreaks and to lower your risk of passing herpes infection to your sexual partner.
Herpes Fast Facts:
- What’s the causes of herpes?
- What are herpes symtopms?
- How does herpes spread?
- How is herpes diagnosed?
- How common is herpes?
- How can herpes be managed?
- Can stress make you susceptible to infection?
- What are the latest herpes treatment options?
- What are self-care measures incase I get herpes?
What’s the causes of herpes?
Herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex viruses: herpes type 1 (Herpes simplex virus-1, HSV-1) and herpes type 2 (Herpes simplex virus-2, HSV-2).
• The infection around your genitals with HSV-1 or HSV-2 (vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, penis, scrotum, butt, inner thighs) is called genital herpes.
• The infection around your lips, mouth, and throat is known as oral herpes. Oral herpes sores are also known as cold sores or fever blisters.
*You can get both in both places.
What are herpes symptoms?
Herpes presents as itchy, painful blisters, or ulcers. Many people with herpes don’t even notice it at first. It can develop into painful fluid-filled blisters, which appear as tiny looking yellow or green fluid-filled blisters around the side of contact. They can be found near your oral or genital area, depending on the type of infection you have.
It can also present as flu-like illness, you might feel like you’ve got a cold or flu, and you may feel tired and muscle pains.
Herpes becomes a real nuisance when you feel pain in the genital region, while having sex or while peeing. It can be distressing and painful if you never had the infection before.
How does herpes spread?
HSV is spread through direct contact with infected areas. Here are some essential points to remember regarding its transmission.
1. As already stated, it is a sexually transmitted infection that spreads through kissing and sex (vaginal, oral, anal).
2. It can spread to other parts of your own body if you touch a herpes sore and then touch your mouth, genitals, or eyes without washing your hands first. You can also pass herpes to someone else this way.
3. Sometimes it can spread even in the absence of sores or any other symptom.
4. Mothers can also infect their babies during childbirth, and hence if a pregnant patient’s partner has herpes, it is mandatory to use condoms throughout pregnancy!
5. A baby can also acquire herpes though feeding on a breast that has open herpes sore.
6. As the virus cannot survive outside your body, you can’t get herpes from hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or sitting on toilet seats.
How is herpes diagnosed?
Is that sore or blisters actually genital herpes? When it comes to diagnosing genital herpes, it takes more than a look. It is crucial to distinguish genital herpes from other commonly acquired sexually transmitted infections, e.g., HIV AIDS. The diagnosis of herpes can be made with the help of history, signs and symptoms, and some tests. Hence it is vital to visit your healthcare provider as soon as you notice a sore or any other unusual symptoms.
So, how to get tested for HSV1 and HSV2?
Herpes is tested through Viral Culture, PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) or Blood Test.
– PCR is more sensitive than culture but is not routinely recommended due to its higher cost.
– Viral Culture is most likely to identify the virus in new, open ulcers as compares to the older ones.
– Blood test is suitable for people who may not have had symptoms or if the signs have already gone.
*Read more details about herpes testing.
How common is herpes?
As mentioned before, there are herpes type 1 and herpes type 2. More than 50 percent of adults in the United States have oral herpes (HSV-1), and around 15.5 percent of adults have genital herpes (HSV-2).
Herpes-type 1 in some countries and most developed countries like North America, European countries can be as common as 80 to 90% of us have the antibodies to herpes type one floating our blood.
Herpes-type 2 is common, and in some countries, up to 60% of the population has herpes type 2, and this is why we want to inform you that it’s not all as severe and as doom and gloom as you may think. Many people with herpes do have a normal life! Check these herpes communities we recommend.
How can herpes be managed?
All sexually active individuals are at risk of acquiring sexually transmitted illnesses, including herpes. So it is advisable to talk to your sexual partner first, before the first sexual encounter. Discussing herpes can be a bit uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it can have a positive impact on your health, and ultimately sex life. People with herpes have healthy lives and relationships, so do not hesitate to talk about it. We have some suggestions on how to tell others if you have herpes. It is essential to have safe sex if one or both the partners are infected with herpes or any other sexually transmitted infection.
*Regular use of latex condoms, even in the absence of visible sores, is recommended if any one partner has the infection.
*Sex should be avoided altogether if genital sores are present.
*Oral sex should be avoided when oral ulcers are present as they can cause genital herpes in the partner.
Can stress make you susceptible to infection?
Unfortunately, yes. Any disease, stress, or even sunlight can trigger recurrent outbreaks. Menstrual periods in women can make them more susceptible to infection.
What are the latest herpes treatment options?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for recurrent herpes. Sometimes, treatment is not necessary, and in some instances, the daily dose of medications is required to treat the symptoms. Hence, it is very important to see your healthcare provider and discuss the treatment regimen in detail.
What are self-care measures in case I get herpes?
• Sitting in warm water can ease your pain. This can be done very comfortably in your bathtub or “sitz bath,” specially designed and available at pharmacies without a need for prescription.
• Over the counter pain medications can help relieve your pain
• Soap and bubble baths should be avoided
• Keep your genital area clean and dry, and avoid a tight-fitting underwear
• Over the counter ointments and lotions should not be used without a doctor’s recommendation.
