Nature of Herpes
Genital herpes or simply herpes is a disease that is sexually-transmitted and caused by the virus known as herpes simplex virus (HSV). It has been around for centuries and continues to affect people up to this day. It is estimated that in USA alone, about 45 million Americans have the virus although many do not experience the symptoms.
There are two prevalent types of herpes viruses. The herpes simplex type 2 is known to mostly affect the genital area and the type 1 targets the mouth area though type 2 herpes virus has been found in the genitals as well.
Herpes simplex causes sores that can be transmitted by an infected person to an uninfected person during sexual intercourse. A person infected with the virus can also spread the sores from one part of his/her body to other parts by simply touching.
A direct body contact with a person with genital herpes is a high-transmission mode. Though possible, transmission via toilet bowls, towels or other objects is almost ineffective. Sexual contact is by far though the most effective way of transmitting the virus and therefore the most effective way of containing the virus is via sexual abstinence. Herpes is highly contagious especially when the sores are fresh though a person can still transmit the virus even if he/she has no visible sores.
Genital herpes is a viral disease meaning it is caused by a virus. Other sexually-transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia are bacterial infection. Most of these bacterial infections can be easily combated with antibitotics but not the viral infections. Unfortunately for people with genital herpes, there is no known cure yet for the dreaded disease. Acyclovir is one medication that has proven to reduce the herpes infection and symptoms but that’s all.
Generally, the signs of HSV infection appear 2 to 20 days after transmission from an infected individual. Reddish sores that look like blisters appear at the body part where the virus had its first contact. The sores may burn and itch. In severe cases, the sores will be a source of extreme pain. Other symptoms of the disease are: swollen glands, fever, mild vaginal discharge, aching muscle and burning sensation while urinating. After 10 to 14 days, the sores will heal completely without any trace of scars as if nothing happened.
Do not be mistaken that you are completely healed when the sores disappear because the virus simply don’t die. They stay in the body and will be active again after sometime. During this inactive or dormant stage, the HSV will remain in the nerve tissue.
A pregnant mother with an active herpes infection has the greater chance of transmitting the virus to her unborn child. The risk of transmission climbs higher when the break of sores is the first time. Herpes infection in an unborn baby may cause damage in the brain or instant death. Or the baby can be born but is infected with the virus.