Herpes Infection
Herpes Symptoms, Transmission, Testing & Treatment
By STD Concern
The 2 Types (strains) of herpes caused by the "Herpes Simplex Virus" (HSV) are Oral (HSV-1) and Genital (HSV-2). Symptoms will start showing up 4 days after exposure & last up to 4 weeks. Once you’re infected the following outbreaks tend to be milder. Herpes can also by symptomless.
In Women red lesions will show up on the Vagina including clitoris and other parts of the vulva, anus and buttocks. In Men, same lesions but on the Penis head, shaft and other genital regions including thigh and buttocks.
Oral Herpes Symptoms (1)
- Cold Sores on or around mouth.
- Fever blisters on or around mouth.
Genital Herpes Symptoms
-
Painful, blistering sores on the genitals. - Burning, itching and painful discharge from either the penis or vagina.
- Painful urination has also been noted.
- Flu-like symptoms have also occurred with genital herpes.
- Swollen lymph glands.
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Testing
Note: You can avoid complications if your STD is detected and treated.
Transmission
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) the people infected with HSV-2 Genital herpes in the United States is around 16 percent of 14 to 49 year old's. Apparently 80 percent of people infected don’t know they are and with 3 quarters of a million new cases a year this is turning into an uphill battle.
Worldwide cases of Oral Herpes (HSV- 1) infection is more than 3.7 billion people under the age of 50, or 67% of the world’s population according to the WHO (World Health Organization).
This STD can be transferred with direct contact with the skin surface that is infected. This includes both Intercourse and Oral Sex. Transfer from genital to genital, genital to mouth and mouth to genital. Not a good idea to have sex when someone has a Herpes outbreak including Genital and Oral. Practicing safe sex should be respected at all times.
Herpes Testing
Because some STDs have no or similar symptoms with other STI it is best to get tested for more than 1 STD. A test for one STD is good if your sexual partner has tested positive for that STD or your pretty sure your symptoms are related to that STD.
Herpes Treatments
There is no cure for genital herpes (2), but antiviral drugs are available to help manage the symptoms. The most popular medications are acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir), and valacyclovir (Valtrex). If flair-ups still occur, these pills can lessen the symptoms & their duration.
Conclusion
To avoid being infected practice safe sex which includes using condoms and not engaging in sex with an infected person. If you have any of these symptoms you should be tested ASAP (as soon as possible) and sexual partners, be contacted.
Resources
- CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
- WHO - http://www.who.int/news-room/detail/28-10-2015-globally-an-estimated-two-thirds-of-the-population-under-50-are-infected-with-herpes-simplex-virus-type-1
- Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genital_herpes
References
1. STD Facts - Genital Herpes (cdc.gov)
2. CDC – Genital Herpes Treatment
Note
In order to receive proper treatment, "testing is required".
Disclaimer: Articles not intended to Diagnose, Treat, Cure or Prevent Diseases.
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