What You Need To Know About Herpes

Herpes is one dreaded and recurring  infection contracted sexually or through skin to skin contact. Herpes are in two different categories namely, Herpes type 1 (HSV-1) or oral herpes, and herpes type 2 (HSV-2) or genital herpes.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 surfaces on the mouth and lips region, causing blisters, which are commonly called fever blisters or cold sores. HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes, however, HSV-2 is notorious for this infection. 

Genital herpes surfaces mostly on the genitals and anus. It causes blisters and painful genital sores. The blisters usually get cured within two to three weeks, however the virus that causes them is incurable, which causes the infection to recur. Nevertheless, the outbreaks become shorter and less critical  overtime.

Herpes is quite tricky because the virus can be passed on to another even when you have no symptoms. You only begin to have blisters when it is advanced. It is worthy to note that you can’t get genital herpes from objects like toilet seats.

People do not get tested because of the fact that the common symptoms do not show. They may eventually get a symptom months or years after being infected. Symptoms may thus include experiencing pain when urinating, a tingling or burning sensation around your genital, aches and pain with flu-like symptoms and an abnormal vaginal discharge (in women).

The virus is passed from one to another through skin to skin contact, kissing, sharing objects such as toothbrushes, kitchen utensils, including unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. It can also be shared by sharing unsterilised sex toys or not covered with a new condom whenever they are used. 

This virus can also be passed to your unborn baby if you have it while pregnant. You must put your doctor in the know if you think you might have herpes. It is the least you can do to save the unborn child. 

Herpes can however, be managed with medication like the daily use of antiviral drugs (usually termed suppressive therapy). This can lower your risk of spreading the virus to your sex partner.

Also, altenative medicine like the RIDA herbal Bitters and its variants has amazing antiviral properties which can help manage the virus, if not totally eradicate it. 

To further reduce the risk of genital herpes, quit sharing sex toys or make sure they are well sterilised before and after use.

Abstain from unprotected sex and be faithful to one partner. This will help prevent herpes. You may also want to avoid having sex with your partner until you have finished with your treatment. 

How to test for herpes? If you feel you may be showing symptoms of herpes, take a swab from your blister, take it for a test at a laboratory. The fluid on the cotton swab can be tested for HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus)