Herpes

Herpes is a common and usually mild infection caused by two similar viruses- herpes simplex type 1 and 2. Both are very contagious and cause similary symptoms.

Genital herpes (type 2) is usually on the vagina, penis, butt or thighs. Oral herpes (type 1) is usually on the mouth or face.

As many as 80% of all people with herpes do not know that they have it. Yet they may spread the infection to others because a small amount of virus may be present even if there are no symptoms. This fact is probably why so many people have herpes- about 20- 25% of all Americans over age 12.

Herpes is usually spread by:

• Direct skin-to-skin contact with a herpes sore.
• Kissing someone with a cold sore
• It's most likely to spread from contact with a sore but could be spread even when a sore is not present.
• Having sex with someone with a genital herpes sore.
• Mouth to genital area or genital area to mouth during oral sex with an infected person.
• Touching any mucous membrane (such as the eye or mouth) or open area (like a cut, scrape or hangnail) to a herpes sore.

When symptoms do occurs:

• They are usually noticed between 2 days and 3 weeks after exposure.
• They can take weeks, months or even years to show up.
• Small blisters appear, then burst, causing small open areas that usually heal within 3 weeks.
• They can include itching, burning, soreness, pain around the area and pain with urination.
• Some people develop a low-grade fever, muscle aches and/or swollen lymph glands.

Each person's response to the virus is different

• There may be no symptoms at firs, but there may be symptoms with a later outbreak.
• The symptoms may range from minor irritation to severe pain.
• There may be future outbreaks of symptoms, called recurrences, or the symptoms may never return again.
• If there are recurrences they are usually much milder and shorter.
• Many people get an itchy or burning feeling a day or two before symptoms come back.

The health care provider will check a client for symptoms, looking for sores or blisters. A blood test may also be done.

No. There is no treatment that can remove the virus from the body. It stays in nerve cells nearby and becomes inactive. If it is activated, it multiplies and travels down in the nerve to the skin. It may or may not cause symptoms there, but it can be spread to other people. Recurrences can be triggered by exposure to sunlight or friction, stress, menses and other physical or psychological stress- it varies with each person.

Yes. There are several effective medications that can shorten or prevent the outbreak of symptoms. Also be sure to maintain a healthy lifestyle- it helps to strengthen your immune system.

• Avoid kissing, having sex or touching if there are sores present.
• Play your sexual relationships safely and responsibly- have sex with only one partner who will only have sex with you.
• If you have herpes, you are contagious from the moment there is any warning feeling so don't let anyone come into contact with you there.

Call us at WSTC if you have any questions about herpes, or any other subjects that affect teens and young adults. We are here to help.