Why you Don't Want Herpes
Why you don't want herpes
Herpes Genital is the name of a widespread sexually transmitted disease. It is also generally known simply as herpes. Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus or the Herepes Simplex Virus 2. HSV-2 is one of the herpes viruses, a group of viruses that cause a wide variety of diseases (Banikowski, S 1999).
HSV-2 infects only human beings and is transmitted during intimate sexual activity. Infection occurs on or around the sex organs or rectum. The virus then spreads along the nerves that connect the infected area to the central nervous system. The virus may be present in the body without producing signs of illness. An infected person also may experience symptoms that go away, only to reappear months or years later.
Symptoms include fever, headache, stiffness in the neck, and weakness. Within one to three weeks after infection, a small pimple develops at the site of infection. The pimple rapidly becomes a blister, which then develops into an open, painful sore called an ulcer. Other blisters appear, accompanied by painful urination and itching. Women may experience discharge from the vagina. The ulcers last 4 to 15 days, then gradually crust over and heal. Sores may recur up to several times a year. During these times, the blisters and ulcers heal more rapidly and are less painful.
A pregnant woman who has genital herpes may pass the infection to her baby during the birthing process. Infection in the newborn may spread throughout the body, leading to blindness, brain damage, or death.
Doctors usually diagnose genital herpes by recognizing symptoms of the disease. Blood tests can identify the infection in cases where symptoms are not present. Doctors prescribe the drug, acyclovir in treating genital herpes (Banikowski, S 1999). In most cases, this drug reduces the symptoms and prevents or decreases it from coming back again. People may reduce the risk of infection with genital herpes by using condoms or other protective measures during sexual activity.