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Introduction to Herpes Genitalis and Cold Sores

By ebazaar ⋅ June 25, 2010 ⋅

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One disease that has gotten more of the public attention recently is Herpes genitalis and cold sores, which up to recently have been effected 1 out of 5 people in adulthood and adolescence. Herpes is a type of sexually transmitted disease or STD that is caused by the presence of a virus called Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), highly contagious and can happen on a recurrent basis if not treated well enough.

Brief Herpes Statistics

In the United States alone, about 35% of the population is reported to have infected the population and almost 500,000 more cases are reported each year. On estimation, this virus has been infected 40 millions of people nationwide, with individuals who are around the age 20-29 years old made up most of the cases. This has made this particular disease a growing public health importance.

Types of Herpes:-

HSV-type 1: More commonly known as oral herpes. This type of virus causes cold sores, canker sores and fever blisters around the mouth or face.

HSV-type 2: Also known as genital herpes. This type of virus causes herpes genitalis and venereal herpes that typically affect the genital area with painful sores, blisters and other conditions.

Both viral types can be inactive and silent, causing no symptoms whatsoever. You can only detect it if you get yourself tested. Thus, meaning that the number of people who are infected by this virus could be more than the number of reported cases, since some people don’t even know that they are infected by it. The worst part is that once infected, that individual can remain infected for life after the first initial episode. Women are much more vulnerable to HSV virus than men are. This is because the transmission from male to female is much more efficient that female to male.

Course of infection and transmission of Herpes is mostly through sexual contacts, which can mean a lot of things:-

• Vaginal sex
• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Kissing
• Skin to skin contact which can also transmit HSV-1 and HSV-2

Most infection is due to sexual activity with a person who already has the virus initially. However, from the listed possibilities above, even if you do not have any vaginal sex or not involved in direct sexual activities you can still be infected by this virus. Only the degree and type of virus will be slightly different. Herpes can also be transmitted through birth by a mother who was already infected by the virus of which can be potentially fatal for the newborn infants.

Symptoms of Herpes:-

Symptoms of herpes vary according to the infected individuals. Sometimes, there are no signs of it at all. However, certain signs of herpes can be seen after 2 to 20 days after direct contact - that shows a large variance in terms of the HSV symptoms development.

Typical symptoms of herpes for both are:-

• Fever that lingers for more than a week
• Swollen glands
• Occasional headache
• Muscle pain

For oral herpes, it will include blisters and cold sores around the mouth area. There will be fluid-filled blisters that rupture, leaving red, inflamed, painful lesions that may affect the lips, tongue, nose and other areas of the face. As for genital herpes it, is quite similar except that it will affect areas around the genitals and surrounding like thighs and elsewhere. Other initial genital herpes symptoms are:-

• Burning, itching and tingling around and in the genitals
• Lower back pain
• Painful when urinating
• Heavy vaginal or penis discharge

After the initial symptoms, an infected person will experience red bumps appearing around the genitals which after awhile develop into painful blisters that rupture and leaving red, inflamed, painful lesions. Lesions tend to dry and crust over in 10-14 days. Healing of the skin usually does not leave a scar but repeated attacks in same area may cause scarring.

The first attack is most severe and heals after 2-4 weeks from the date of outbreak. If precautions are not taken seriously and treatment is not thoroughly done, recurrences may occur. Though, there are a few cases that the nightmare didn’t repeat itself.

What are the steps to prevent for being infected by Herpes?

First of all, if you’ve detected the above symptoms occurring, make haste to visit your physician or gynecologist for consultation and treatment. Herpes is not something impossible to cure, so stay positive and keep on a healthy living regime in facing this problem.

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