What is Herpes?

Learn About Herpes & How It Affects You

Herpes is a highly contagious infection that can be transmitted through direct physical contact, it can also be transmitted through kissing or sharing the same eating utensils with an infected person. Herpes also known as Herpes Simplex Virus generally comes in two types Herpes Type 1 or HSV-1 which usually causes the appearance of cold sores in addition to this blisters can form on the lips and on the inside of the mouth. In some cases the gums can also become swollen.

Herpes Type 2 or HSV-2 causes genital herpes infections. This type of herpes can also cause pain, tenderness and itching around the genital area. If you suspect you have herpes there are ways a doctor can determine if you do and what type. There are some tests that include taking samples from the affected area on a cottons swab or from the actual sore for diagnosis. Other tests would include performing a procedure called a culture which is a form of laboratory test, the doctor would take a swab sample from the affected spot to perform this test. There is no known cure for herpes but infections can be prevented by not coming into contact with sores of an individual with an active outbreak which could either be on the genitals or mouth. There are treatments for herpes through either episodic therapy which is started at the first appearance of an outbreak and with continued treatment over a few days. There is also the suppressive therapy which involves taking an antiviral drug daily for a few months. Home treatments can also be used to help and this could include salt water baths, pain relievers herbal medicines and supplements that are available to help build and heal your body. You should always seek medical advice from your doctor if you have a suspected outbreak of herpes so that it could be verified and the necessary steps are taken.

Know Your Herpes Testing Options

If you think you have similar herpes symptoms but you are unsure about whether you have herpes or not it is best to have some form of herpes testing done. The two common types of herpes HSV (herpes simplex virus) are herpes type 1 which is transmitted through kissing or sharing eating utensils and herpes type 2 which is spread through sexual contact. There are several types of tests available to determine whether an individual has a form of herpes or not, herpes can appear on several areas of the body including the face to the genital area. There are several methods of cold sore herpes testing. A few ways of testing are to take fluid samples of the infected area with a cotton swab or lightly scraping the cold sore to collect cell samples for testing and further diagnosis. This type of test would help to determine if the patient has the herpes type 1 strain of herpes which normally appears in the form of cold sores. If sores appear around the genital region a medical examiner could perform genital herpes testing by taking a swab sample of infected area and performing a laboratory test called a culture. Through this form of testing the examiner could determine whether you have the herpes type 2 strain. Blood testing can also determine whether you are infected with herpes, however, they can not determine the difference between genital herpes or other types of herpes infections. It is often assumed by health experts that you are positive for herpes type 2 if you have signs of a genital herpes. There are also alternative herpes testing methods becoming available, with the need to quickly and effectively diagnose the virus for fast treatment. One alternative method is known as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), this type of test is more geared for commercial use and may not be available at your doctor's office or standard clinic. If you think could you have any form of herpes you should seek the advice of your doctor or your local health examiner for diagnosis and treatments.

The Dangers of Spreading Herpes

It appears that not enough is being done to inform people on the risks of contracting or spreading herpes. With the statistics showing that one in every four adults has herpes it reinforces this idea that not enough people are aware of methods to significantly reduce the spread of herpes. The statistics also show that a staggering one million new cases of herpes are discovered every year. This figure does not include the individuals that are unaware they are affected. In addition to this interesting fact is that more women tend to be herpes carriers than men. Herpes (Herpes Simplex Virus) is usually spread by direct skin contact. It is not passed through the air but spreads via direct contact only. With herpes type 1 (HSV-1) if you have an open cold sore blister and kiss someone or even use the same eating utensils they could possible get the virus. With genital herpes, which is referred to as herpes type 2 (HSV-2), having unprotected sexual intercourse during an outbreak can spread genital herpes to your partner. Herpes is at its most contagious during an outbreak where sores arise but it can be spread at other times as well. Although there are little or no symptoms from herpes there are some that experience itching, tingling or other sensations before any signs are shown on their skin. The treatments for herpes generally used by doctors are antiviral drugs which could include tablets or creams that may have to be applied either daily or periodically as outbreaks occur. Home remedies can range from salt baths which helps to sooth sores, supplement and herbal medication. If you do not have comfortable, cotton clothing you should buy some from any clothing store. These cotton clothes help to reduce irritation and could assist in the healing process. Your doctor can explain more about safe sex practices if you have herpes and want to protect your partner or if you want to avoid contracting herpes.

Find Relief From Genital Herpes Now

When seeking genital herpes treatments there are several treatment options your doctor may prescribe. Genital herpes itself is caused by (HSV) or the herpes simplex virus. This virus comes in two strains herpes type 1 and herpes type 2. Where cold sores are commonly referred to as herpes type 1, genital herpes infections are generally as a result of a herpes type 2 infection. The genital sores caused by either virus type may look quite similar. The virus is spread by direct physical contact between an infected person and a non infected person. Although sexual intercourse and oral sex are the most common ways genital herpes is contracted, any type of skin-to-skin contact can cause a herpes infection. The treatments may vary from simple treatments that ease discomfort to antiviral therapy. Simple herpes treatments include salt baths which helps to sooth and dry sores, pain relievers in the form of tablets or creams which can be applied to sores. Wearing loose, cotton underclothing can also help to cut down on discomfort. These types of solutions are easy and could be tried at home in addition to any prescribed medication your doctor may give you. There are also more other ways of treating genital herpes that require a medical practitioner to such as antiviral treatments. These are standard and effective methods of treating herpes as they can help to shorten the time of the outbreak and shorten the time sores take to heal. Alternative herpes treatments are available but they are not to be used as a replacement to your regular treatments, these types of treatment are more to compliment your current prescription from your doctor. These can include herbs, supplements and other kinds of over the counter treatments that can assist to relieve discomfort during an out break or to boost your immune system to help in reducing outbreaks. Alternative treatments should always be used under the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.