Genital Herpes Info

About the Herpes Virus

The facts are as follows:

Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

There are two types of the herpes virus:

- HSV-type 1 causes fever blisters on the mouth or face (oral herpes);

- HSV-type 2 typically affects the genital area (genital herpes).

Both viral types can be inactive or 'silent' causing no symptoms; both can cause either genital or oral infections; and both can cause periodic 'outbreaks' of blisters and ulcers.

Both oral and genital herpes infections are very common and on the increase. Genital herpes is slightly more common in women than in men, possibly because male to female transmission is more efficient than female to male transmission.

Transmission of Genital Herpes

Genital herpes can be transmitted with or without the presence of sores or other symptoms and is in fact often transmitted by people who are not aware that they are infected or do not realize infection can be passed on when they have no symptoms.

How Serious is Genital Herpes?

HSV-2 can also be severe in people with suppressed immune systems. People infected with herpes may be more susceptible to HIV infection, and HIV-infected individuals may be more infectious.

If a woman with HSV-2 is pregnant, potentially fatal infections in infants can occur. A caesarean delivery is usually carried out if a woman has active genital herpes at the time of giving birth.

Outbreaks

During the outbreak the infected area may be painful, burn, tingle and itch. Other symptoms include headache and fever, as well as infection of the urethra causing a burning sensation when urinating, muscle aches and pains, painful inflamed blisters which develop around the infected area, swollen lymph glands and a discharge. Healing of the skin does not normally leave scarring.

The virus retreats into the nerves and lies dormant. A warning sign (prodrome) such as tingling is experienced by many people in recurring outbreaks.

Even when there are no symptoms of herpes, transmitting the virus is still possible through asymptomatic viral shedding.

It is very important that genital herpes be diagnosed and treated professionally.

You are also invited to visit my page on living with genital herpes for tips on managing your symptoms.

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