Alcohol Abuse Advice

Identifying Herpes – Symptoms And Diagnosis

Herpes is a highly infectious disease that spreads through unsafe sex. It is probably more infectious than AIDS, though many adults go through life unaware that they may be infected. Herpes is not fatal, perhaps the major reason that it is overlooked in comparison to AIDS, which happens to be another STD. There are communities where almost all the sexually active adult people are infected with Herpes. Because of the lack of information on the disease, and more important, the focus being more on AIDS, Herpes has become the silent STD – silent but not harmless.

Herpes is spread by a virus, also known as Herpes. Herpes virus has two strains, and depending on which strain infects a person, the symptoms vary.

Herpes Simplex 1
Herpes Simplex 1 affects the area around and inside the mouth. Most people suffering from Herpes are infected with Herpes Simplex 1. The main symptoms are blisters in the mouth and around the mouth.

Herpes Simplex 2
Herpes Simplex 2 is spread through unprotected sex. If you notice painful swelling or blisters in the genital area and thighs, it may be due to herpes. Periodic “attacks” interrupt periods of relative normalcy, which is a characteristic of herpes. The severity and frequency of attacks can be lessened through certain precautions and Herpes medicine.

Diagnosis
The characteristic cold sores make it easy to put together a clear diagnosis. Your doctor may recommended antiviral drugs to lessen the severity of the symptoms (ibuprofen and Tylenol are most commonly used Herpes medicine). You may also need to take precautions during sex. Remember that herpes can spread through cuts on any part of the body if it is exposed to fluid discharged from an infected person. If you are having an “attack”, it is best to avoid sexual contact altogether. Pregnant women may have to consider options such Caesarean to avoid passing on the virus to the baby during birth, since the baby’s immune system is not strong enough to deal with the virus.

Stress can bring on an attack more frequently and lower your immunity. Avoid stress; if needed, see a therapist. The sores may be itchy, but don’t touch them as it can spread the infection. Keep the affected area clean – take frequent baths. Avoid tight clothes. While the disease cannot be cured through any Herpes medicine, its effect can be minimized, and the spread of infection can be stopped.