Herpes Simplex Virus(HSV). There are two types, Herpes Simplex Virus
I and Herpes Simplex Virus II. Type I generally is found on the lips and
Type II is found more often on the genitals.
The easiest way to get Herpes, is by intimate skin contact between the affected
partner's skin and your own bare skin. Thus oral contact of any kind can
transmit it: kissing, oral sex, and rimming(oral-anal contact).
Sometimes people with sores on their genitals can spread the disease with
their hands to their eyes or mouth by touch.
SYMPTOMS
It usually takes 5 to 10 days, but rarely longer that 4 weeks to start noticing
symptoms.
When it is found around the lips, it is called a "cold sore".
They can also occur on the anus, penis, vagina, and the eyes. These are
the most common places. However, it can happen almost anywhere on your body
if the infection is spread there.
In the vagina, there may be some discharge. Herpes lesions here are difficult
to see if they are far inside the vagina. However, itching and burning sensations
are present, along with feelings of pressure in the genital area.
In men and women, if the blisters are inside the urethra, there may be pain
when you urinate.
COMPLICATIONS
Some people experience fever, swollen glands, headaches, and backaches.
People with very weak immune systems (like people with AIDS), can have reactions
so severe that the blisters spread all over the body and outbreaks may last
for months.
Herpes in women can be passed onto babies. This is a big problem because
the babies have very "weak" immune systems. The herpes virus likes
to infect cells of the nervous system, like the brain, and so babies who
get it often die.
TREATMENT
Herpes can be treated, but it cannot be cured. There are medications that you can get to make
the blisters and pain less severe, but once you get herpes, you'll have
it forever. It can stay latent for a long time. Medication can also make
the sores go faster, and make it so that you have less outbreaks per year.
Zovirax is especially important for people who get herpes outbreaks a lot.
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