101 things you should know about herpes

1. Genital herpes is caused by two forms of the herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 or HSV-2.
2. Most oral herpes are caused by HSV-1 and most genital herpes are caused by HSV-2.
3. Most people show no signs or symptoms of HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection.
4. At least 45 million people over the age of 12, or 20% of US teens and adults, have had genital herpes.
5. Genital HSV-2 infection is more common in women (about one in four women) than in men (about one in eight).
6. Both herpes types 1 and 2 can be transmitted by contact with the sores caused by herpes viruses, but also between outbreaks (sometimes called OB) through the “shedding” of skin that does not have sores.
7. Herpes transmission often occurs from an infected partner who does not have a visible sore and may not even know they are infected with the virus.
8. HSV-1 genital OBs recur less frequently than genital outbreaks caused by HSV-2.
9. Early symptoms of genital herpes can be quite intense. Later OBs are milder. Symptoms may include:
10. small area of ​​redness, sometimes with raised bumps or fluid-filled blisters;
11. Itching, burning or tingling in the genital area;
12. Flu-like symptoms (headache, swollen glands, fever);
13. Painful urination and/or discharge.
14. The initial outbreak of herpes usually occurs within two weeks of transmission of the virus, and the sores usually heal within two to four weeks.
15. Sometimes a person doesn’t become aware of the infection until years after acquiring it.
16. Do not squeeze OB blisters as this can cause the infection to spread.
17. Genital herpes infection can be more serious in people with suppressed immune systems due to other causes.
18. Genital herpes can cause psychological distress in people who know they are infected, particularly due to the associated social stigma.
19. Any area of ​​the groin can be affected by genital herpes.
20. Herpes is not the only infection that causes genital sores. Bacterial infections are also known to cause sores that resemble herpes sores. Therefore, it is best to get tested.
21. Genital herpes can cause life-threatening infections in babies.
22. Genital herpes can sometimes be diagnosed by visual inspection of the outbreak or by taking an actual sample from a sore.
23. The only sure way to avoid getting herpes and other STDs is abstinence, or a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with someone who isn’t infected.
24. If you tell your partner about your herpes, you can discuss it instead of making excuses why you don’t want to have sex.
25. Genital herpes caused by HSV-2 carries an 80% to 90% chance of OB.
26. Genital herpes caused by HSV-1 carries a 50% chance of OB.
27. Obstetrical sores can occur in areas not covered by a latex condom, so condoms are not foolproof in protecting against genital herpes.
28. Even if a person does not have any symptoms, they can still infect their sexual partners.
29. You can’t get herpes from swimming pools, towels, or toilet seats.
30. The frequency and severity of herpes OBs vary between individuals.
31. The most common symptom of genital herpes is one or more sores or blisters that appear on the genitals, anus, buttocks.
32. Some things that are believed to trigger Obs are:
33.stress;
34.anxiety;
35. other diseases;
36. menstruation;
37. and exposure to extreme weather conditions.
38. OBs are most common in the first year after herpes infection.
39. Signs such as tingling, itching, numbness, or tenderness where the sores will appear often occur a few days before an OB.
40. Genital herpes can be well controlled with medication, stress management, and healthy eating.
41. Genital herpes infections almost never cause long-term damage in healthy adults.
42. Research has shown that genital herpes does not cause cervical cancer or any other type of cancer.
43. With proper treatment and open communication, most people with herpes find that they can have normal, healthy, and enjoyable relationships.
44. The symptoms of the herpes virus can be similar to the symptoms of other illnesses, so the best way to make sure you have it is to get tested.
45. For the immediate relief of an OB:
46. ​​You can take lukewarm baths or keep ice packs on the sores for several minutes.
47. You can wear loose cotton clothing to prevent chafing.
48. Keep the area dry with baby powder or cornstarch.
49. You can take aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever.
50. Women who get herpes before becoming pregnant have a low risk of transmitting the virus to the baby.
51. The risk of childhood herpes is increased if the mother gets herpes during the last trimester of pregnancy.
52. A diagnosis of genital herpes in a long-term monogamous relationship does not mean that a partner was unfaithful.
53. Herpes can be transmitted through oral sex.
54. There is no absolute cure for herpes infection at this time.
55. If you have genital herpes, avoid (or reduce) activities that may affect OBs, such as:
56. poor diet;
57. overexertion;
58. emotional or physical stress;
59. lack of sleep;
60. excess alcohol;
61. and surgical trauma.
62. Excessive friction during intercourse can trigger OB.
63. Genital herpes doesn’t mean your sex life is over.
64. Approximately 70% of genital herpes cases result from asymptomatic excretion, when there are no signs or symptoms.
65. It has been reported that people who tell their partners about their diagnosis are rarely rejected.
66. Herpes has not been found to affect fertility or the ability to have children.
67. Research suggests that when someone has both HIV and HSV, the HIV virus can increase in genital secretions, increasing the risk of transmitting HIV to sexual partners.
68. Cold sores and canker sores are not related, although people confuse them.
69. Cold sores are contagious.
70. Canker sores are not contagious.
71. Cold sores appear around the mouth and symptoms include:
72. small fluid-filled blisters or sores around the mouth, surrounded by red (swollen) skin;
73. days before the appearance of blisters, pain or tingling around the mouth area;
74. and, the discomfort and appearance of blisters usually last between 7 and 10 days.
75. Sometimes cold sores can be found on the nostrils, chin or fingers.
76. OB from oral herpes can occur from contact with someone who has an active lesion through activities such as sharing eating utensils, razors, and towels.
77. Herpes labialis is usually cured without medication (http://www.herpaflor.com). But, you may want to seek medical attention if:
78. the blisters do not go away in a week or two;
79. have a pre-existing health condition that has compromised your immune system;
80. symptoms are severe;
81. you have frequent breakouts;
82. or if eye irritation occurs.
83. Some people are at higher risk of getting cold sores and should be avoided, including:
84. children;
85. people with eczema;
86. or people with a weakened immune system due to cancer, AIDS, or an organ transplant.
87. If herpes infects the eye, it can cause scarring of the cornea, one of the leading causes of blindness in the US.
88. Expectant mothers should alert their doctor if she or her partner has genital herpes.
89. To protect yourself and your partner from getting oral herpes and from spreading it to other parts of the body:
90. do not kiss or have contact with the skin of infected people during obstetrics;
91. do not share items such as eating utensils, towels, lip balm;
92. during obstetrics, wash your hands carefully and regularly;
93. be careful when touching other parts of the body, especially the eyes and genitals (http://www.herpes-virus.org);
94. avoid stress situations, such as cold or flu, lack of sleep or prolonged exposure to the sun without sunscreen;
95. and use sunscreen on the lips and face before prolonged exposure to the sun, in winter and summer.
96. In some cases, the decision not to use condoms may be made in a relationship where both partners understand the risks of contracting genital herpes.
97. Because of society’s negative misconceptions about genital herpes, you should prepare yourself before talking to others about it.
98. Talk about your genital herpes with a partner when you’re not “in the mood” for sex, when you feel safe, and when you can give the conversation your full attention.
99. Anywhere you feel safe and comfortable is a good place to talk about herpes with your partner.
100. Talking about genital herpes can strengthen your relationship and bring you closer as a couple.
101. Some people find that seeking counseling helps them cope with their diagnosis.