HERPES
PREVALENCE:
There are over 500,000 new cases of genital herpes diagnosed each year in the United States. It is estimated that 30 million people are currently infected. Genital herpes is caused by one of two viruses, herpes simplex virus-1, the typical cause of cold sores and fever blisters, or, more commonly, herpes simplex virus-2.
TRANSMISSION:
Herpes is spread through skin-to-skin contact, usually through sexual activity. It can also be transmitted through contact with the fluid from a blister that has been left on other items such as towels, clothing and bedding. Symptoms do not have to be present for the virus to be transmitted.
Herpes can also be passed from a mother to her baby during birth. If the virus is present in the birth canal at the time of birth, a caesarian section will be performed. A baby exposed to herpes during birth may suffer blindness, brain damage, or death.
INCUBATION:
Symptoms may begin 2-10 days after being infected. Some people never develop symptoms, others may not have an outbreak for years after being infected.
SYMPTOMS:
When symptoms are present they usually include small, painful, red fluid filled blisters in the genital area. After a few days the blisters rupture and scab over. The first outbreak is the most severe and lasts 2-3 weeks. Subsequent outbreaks last 7-10 days. Additional symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, nausea, and body aches. Some people get a tingly sensation in the genital area a few hours to a few days before an outbreak.
TREATMENT:
Since herpes is a virus, there is no cure. Symptoms can be treated with prescription anti-viral medications such as Zovirax and Valtrex. If the outbreaks are frequent (at least once a month) daily suppressive therapy with these medications can reduce the number of outbreaks. Aspirin or Tylenol can reduce the pain associated with an outbreak. Pouring warm water over the genitals can reduce stinging when urinating. Avoid deodorant soaps and sprays which can irritate the skin more. Keep the area clean and dry to speed healing.
RECURRENCE:
People with herpes tend to have recurrent outbreaks. The frequency of outbreaks varies from person to person. Some may have outbreaks once a year, others may have them twice a month. The frequency of outbreaks usually decreases over time. The virus enters through the skin, then stores itself in the nervous system. For this reason, anything that puts pressure on the nervous or immune system can trigger an outbreak. This includes illness, fatigue, surgery, poor diet, menstruation, and stress.
PREVENTION:
Two uninfected people with no sex partners besides each other are unlikely contract herpes. Unfortunately, many people are infected and do not know it. A latex condom is a good defense if it is put on before starting sex and worn until the penis is withdrawn. However, a condom is only a shield where it covers, and the virus can be present elsewhere. Washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex DOES NOT prevent transmission. Avoid touching the blisters. The virus could be picked up on the fingers and spread to other parts of the body.