Herpes is a viral infection that affects the genitals, and the lips as well as other parts of the body. There are two types of the herpes virus. They are HSV type 1 and HSV type 2. This article explains the differences in the two types, and how they affect the body, their symptoms, and different treatment methods.
Genital herpes is usually HSV type 2, and generally affects any area below the belt. HSV type 1, generally affects any area above the belt, including the lips. HSV type 1 is usually called the cold sore virus. A person with HSV type 1 (cold sores) can transmit the virus through oral sex to another person's genitals. HSV type 2 causes sore in the genital areas and is transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex. It is more likely to happen from unprotected sex when infected skin touches the vaginal, anal or oral areas. It can sometimes cause sores in the mouth, and can be spread by saliva. You can see that both types can exist in multiple areas.
If someone is infected with herpes, there can be no symptoms at all, or there may be symptoms which cause very severe discomfort. The symptoms may include itching or pain in the legs or arms or other parts of the body. The pain may at first be thought to be a muscle pain, but upon reflection, the person may think back and realize there is no usual reason for the pain, such as a possible muscle strain during work, exercise, or sports. The pain is similar to a muscle pain, but slightly different. Besides this pain, or instead of this pain, there may be sores that appear about 1 to 7 days later. The sores start out as red bumps, that turn into red, watery blisters. It may be painful to urinate. The sores may open up and ooze fluid, and then heal in about 10 to 20 days. Other symptoms may be flu-like, including fever, and headaches. After healing, subsequent outbreaks will tend to be less sever, and heal a bit faster.
Treatment can be very simple, with frequent bathing, and thorough drying and wearing loose cotton underwear and clothing. It can also involve prescription drugs, or herbal formulas. Antibiotics are not effective against the virus, though they are commonly prescribed by doctors who mis-diagnose the symptoms as something else. Prescription drugs have side effects, and can affect the liver, and users are cautioned to not use the drugs for more than a year. On the other hand, herbal formulas can be just as effective, or even more effective, and most do not pose a health risk to other parts of your body, such as your liver. Herpes itself, does not usually pose a risk of death, unless perhaps the body is already suffering from other diseases, and the immune system is weak.
I have had herpes for over 16 years, and I help others reduce or eliminate their symptoms. I also offer a free confidential service where I answer questions regarding herpes. If you have a question about herpes, you can email me through the email link on my website:
http://www.herpes-herbs.com/
