What is Herpes?
Attacks of genital herpes come and go. Of one-half to two-thirds of infections, recurrence occurs and a survey even stated that during the first year of a disease, recurrence of for to seven times is quite common. Generally, women have less recurrence than men do and the recurring outbreaks are milder than the first time the disease occurred. Also, the genital sores heal quickly and produce less infectious virus. Experts believe that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) loses potency the longer it stays in the body which slowly acquires immunity.
Before an outbreak, persons with the virus have experienced warning signs. These warning symptoms are called a prodrome and their appearance signal the coming onslaught of the virus. A prodrome can start from a few hours to many days before the appearance of sores and can consist of the following: tingling, itching, or a dull and throbbing pain in the body part where the sores are to appear. Another interesting sign is a shooting pain in the buttocks, lower back or legs as if to warn the person not to engage in sexual activity to prevent the further spread of virus.
Scientists do not agree on how exactly the HSV activates. Some say its stress, menstrual cycle, fever, fatigue, sunburn and other plethora of emotional and physical factors. To control or atleast minimize recurrent attacks of the virus, good health maintenance through proper nutrition, exercise and rest will go a long way to achieving that. Some people also claim that they are able to control recurrences when they are less-stressed.
Treatment of Herpes
Treatment of genital herpes is only confined to controlling the symptoms and not affecting cure itself. There are simply no drugs to completely eradicate the virus. Acyclovir is given though to hasten the healing of the sores and/or reduce its severity. Unfortunately, the drug is only most effective on the first outbreak and becomes less potent or no effect at all during recurrences. But it has been found out that a daily acyclovir treatment helps reduce the risk of another recurrence.
During the treatment, the patient is advised to abstain from sex and keep himself/herself clean. To hasten the healing of sores, the patient is also advised to wear loose-fitting clothing.
The best way to prevent contraction of the HSV is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Sexual abstinence is especially favored by doctors for those with active infections. To further decrease the risk of transmission, the patient is advised to use a male/female condom. Talk to your partner regarding avoiding sex while the infection is active.
At the present, scientists are developing vaccines to protect uninfected people from genital herpes.
