Herpes Rise Is Like An Epidemic
Oral herpes, a condition effectuated by the herpes simplex virus, is reported to be present in 50 to 80 percent of the American adult population. Over 50 million people, are infected with genital herpes, also caused by the herpes simplex virus, and the majority of these cases may be unaware they even have it. Studies show that more than 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with genital herpes each year, and the largest increase is occurring in young teens.
Herpes Overview
What is Herpes?
Herpes is a common viral infection. It causes oral herpes – cold sores or fever blisters,
and genital herpes – genital sores or sores usually below the waist.
There are two herpes simplex viruses:
• Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1)
• Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2)
These viruses look identical under the microscope and either type can infect both, the mouth and/or the genitals. However, most commonly, HSV -1 occurs above the waist and HSV-2, below it.
How is genital herpes spread?
Genital herpes is spread easily. The virus from contact with an infected person can enter your body through a break in your skin or through the skin of your mouth, penis or vagina, urinary tract opening, cervix or anus. Herpes is most easily spread when blisters or sores can be seen on the infected person. But it can be spread at any time, even when there aren’t any symptoms.
Genital herpes is usually spread from one person to another by having sex, including oral sex. Herpes can also be spread from one place on your body to another, such as from your genitals to your fingers, then to your eyes or to other parts of your body. Herpes can also be spread from a mother to her baby when she gives birth.
What Should I Do If I Think I have Herpes?
See your doctor as soon as possible. Herpes is easier to diagnose when there are sores. You can start treatment sooner and perhaps have less pain with the infection.
Tips To Soothe The Pain
- Take aspirin, acetaminophen (brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (brand names: Advil, Motrin, Nuprin).
- Place lukewarm or cool cloths on the sore place.
- Take lukewarm baths. (A woman may urinate in the tub at the end of the bath if she is having pain urinating–this helps dilute the urine so it doesn’t burn the sores so badly.)
- Keep the area dry and clean.
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
What About How I Feel?
It’s common to feel guilty or ashamed when you hear you have herpes. You may feel that your sex life is ruined or that someone you thought you could trust has hurt you. You may feel sad or upset.
Keep in mind that you are one of millions of people with herpes. Herpes may get less severe as time goes by, and you can help protect your sex partner by not having sex during outbreaks and by using condoms at other times. Talk to your family doctor about how you’re feeling. Take the help of support groups or places where people with similar conditions come together and share as well as motivate others. One such place is: http://positivesingles.com
There is no cure for herpes to date. Supporting your immune system should be your first goal. A weakened immune system is more prone to outbreaks. Efforts to develop a herpes vaccine by biotechnology companies are ongoing. Until an effective herpes vaccine or cure for HSV infection is found, the prevailing approach to treatment continues to be suppressive antiviral therapy. Links on this page go to products, services and publications that can help you cope with herpes in your life
Free Resources
National Herpes Hotline: 888.411.4377 (Free and Anonymous Help provided by the American Social Health Association)
National Herpes Hotline: 919.361.8488 (ASHA)
To subscribe to ‘The Helper’ publication call 800.783.9877
