What is genital herpes?
Genital herpes is categorised as a sexually transmitted disease, which is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 or type 2. Most people who are infected with this virus do not have any visible signs of the same.
Generally, the first and most noticeable signs of this infection are blisters around the rectum and genitals. Gradually, these blisters become dry and break out. Small and tender ulcers take their place and last for around 30 days during the first outbreak, which is the most severe. Outbreaks that occur after the first one are less severe and shorter as compared to the first one. Although, this infection can be treated, it cannot be cured.
How common is genital herpes?
Clinical trials and surveys show that more than 20% of the adult population in countries such as USA, UK and Canada suffer from genital herpes. Due to advancement in science and medicine, the number of people who are affected with this infection have decreased. The HSV-2 virus is more common in women and more than 1 in five women are affected by it.
How does genital herpes spread?
Both viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 are released between outbreaks of the sores from the skin. It is believed that a person can only get these infections if he/she is having sexual contact, especially sexual intercourse, with an infected person. But, in reality, you might get affected from an infected person just by touching or kissing. Transmission can occur even if you do not notice any type of symptoms on the infected person but have physical contact with him/her. HSV-1 is also known to cause genital herpes in rare cases but most commonly HSV-2 is responsible for the same. HSV-1 causes infections on the lips and mouth.
What are the signs and symptoms of genital herpes?
As mentioned earlier, most people who are infected with HSV-2 are not aware of the infection, but, at times, signs and symptoms are seen during outbreaks. Generally, the first outbreak occurs within the first 2 weeks of transmission of virus during which you will see development of sores on some parts of your body. These sores will heal within 2-4 weeks. Other symptoms include fever, swollen glands and a second round of sores. At times, individuals suffering from herpes mistake these sores to be insect bites.
You can have more than 3 outbreaks in the first year of getting diagnosed with genital herpes. It is also possible that an individual does not realise that he/she is infected even after years of the infection.
What are the complications of genital herpes?
This health condition spreads most in people who have weak immune systems. This means that people who have this health condition are more prone to other diseases and problems, such as HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.
Treatment
Famvir and Valtrex are two antiviral medications, which slow down the growth and reduce the severity of herpes virus. While these medications are very effective in treating the herpes virus infection by reducing the severity of the symptoms, they do not cure you of it.
Webmaster is associated with Health Express from last many years and used to produce many informative article related to health here now he had discuss some points for genital herpes and treatment for it in terms of tablets " Aciclovir ".
