The symptoms typically include itching or pain that occurs between two and ten days after exposure to an infected person; small red bumps or white blisters that follow; ulcers that occur when the initial bumps or blisters start oozing or bleeding; and scabs when the healing process begins.
Herpes is actually two strains of a virus that can produce painful, recurring genital or anal lesions that can be transmitted to others by oral or genital contact.
Despite its relatively common occurrence, there are still some myths about herpes and how it is acquired. Here are some common questions and answers regarding this sexually transmitted disease.
7 MYTHS OF HERPES
MYTH: You can’t get herpes your first time.
TRUTH: Any sexual contact with someone who has the virus can pass along the condition. Many people have acquired it during their first sexual experience.
MYTH: Herpes can’t be spread without penetration.
TRUTH: Herpes is spread by vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who has the condition. The fluids found in a herpes sore is what carries the virus, and contact with the fluids transmits the infection. Any skin-to-skin contact with an infected person is enough to transmit the virus.
MYTH: There are ways to avoid the risk of acquiring herpes.
TRUTH: You can only avoid the risk of acquiring the herpes virus by completely avoiding sexual contact. You can reduce your risk by using latex condoms properly every time you have sex, or being in a monogamous relationship with someone who has not acquired the disease and has been tested.
MYTH: Condoms afford complete protection against herpes.
TRUTH: Wrong! Condoms break, and outbreaks can occur in areas not fully protected by a condom.
MYTH: Herpes sores will occur only in the area where the infection takes hold.
TRUTH: The virus can be transmitted to other areas of the body by touch. Once symptoms appear, touching other areas will spread the virus.
MYTH: There are no consequences to spreading the herpes virus.
TRUTH: Many civil and criminal cases have held that transmitting the virus constitutes a crime against the previously unaffected victim. The consequences include financial penalties and incarceration. Responsible people will inform potential partners of their affliction and the possibilities that sexual contact may result in transmission of the herpes virus. Some attorneys suggest that you put the warning in writing as a further precaution against liability.
MYTH: There is no connection between herpes and HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS.
TRUTH: Technically, they are different viruses. But the sores from a herpes virus can cause lesions in the skin areas, making it easier for the HIV virus to get into the bloodstream if you have sex with someone who has the HIV virus.
THE TECHNICAL DETAILS
Herpes is a quiet presence in many people. Most have something called HSV-2 (herpes simplex type two), but HSV-1 infections are increasing among younger populations. Most of the people afflicted with HSV-2 have not been diagnosed with genital herpes, as the majority show no symptoms of the disease. However, even without symptoms, it can still be passed along to others.
Sores typically appear on the buttocks, anus, mouth or genital areas, and cause pain in the region where they appear. Women can also have the sores in the internal vaginal or cervix areas while men can develop them in the urethra.
Some people also have flu-like symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, fever and headaches during the initial herpes outbreak. Some ulcers may make urination painful.
The general herpes experience is different for every person, as where it appears initially is a matter of the sexual contact performed. After that, the outbreaks occur infrequently, with some getting numerous outbreaks each year, others hardly any occurrence. Even those with frequent outbreaks, though, may notice a lengthening of time between occurrences.
TREATMENTS FOR HERPES
While there is no cure as yet for genital herpes, there are medications that can help the afflicted heal faster, lessen the severity of an outbreak and duration of the symptoms, and help reduce the frequency of outbreaks
After a blood test leads to a diagnosis of the herpes virus, a doctor will typically prescribe some antiviral medications. These include Acyclovir (sold commercially as Zovirax); Famciclovir (commercially, Famvir) and Valacyclovir (commercially, Valtrex). Depending on the medication and your general health, you may take the medication either daily or only when symptoms of an outbreak first appear.
Doctors may also recommend some psychological counseling upon diagnosis. There is a good deal of shame, embarrassment and anger generated when the herpes virus is contracted, and talking about the condition with a trained psychological professional can help. Education on your condition and the support can help the afflicted work through issues surrounding herpes. There are also group support sessions that can make coping easier.
While acquiring the herpes virus is a life-changing event, it certainly is not a life-ending one.
Through education and psychological counseling, most people manage to work through issues and resume a normal life. Counseling will also help individuals who may be in what was thought to be a monogamous relationship realize that the virus may have been acquired before entering into a new relationship, and thus the partner may not have been aware of his or her condition.