jump to navigation

What Does Genital Herpes Look Like? November 17, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

What does genital herpes look like? Have you seen genital herpes before? If you were previously infected with the herpes simplex type-2 virus, then you probably know already what genital herpes look like.

genital-herpes

You can’t exactly tell how the infection looks like especially in cases when the herpes is dormant. At this stage, you can’t find any visible sign. Visible signs can only be seen once the outbreak occurs. Once you acquire the herpes simplex virus, it will take about 3 to 10 days before the outbreak occurs. Symptoms of herpes also vary from one person to another as well as the extent of the infection; it’s really hard to tell. However, the most common visible symptoms of herpes include the following:

– Red spots

– Red bumps on testicles and penis (male); red bumps around the anus, inside or outside the vaginal area (women)

– Blisters and open sores

Later on, during the healing process, the open sores or blisters will scab and when it falls off, new skin will grow.

Genital herpes and their symptoms can widely vary depending on the severity and the intensity of theitr outbreaks. While some may have mildly noticeable red bumps or spots on their genital areas, mainly around or near the vaginal area and cervix in women and in the scrotum and penis for men, some can have bigger and more noticeable red bumps which can be very painful and in time, burst and have skin eruptions causing more pain and discomfort.

For a good number of people with genital herpes, their first bout with the infection can be very noticeable and genital herpes will be very visible. The red bumps will be larger than what they would see in future outbreaks and can cause more symptoms aside from the lesions and red bumps that is generally what signifies genital herpes. Such symptoms include headaches, fever, and other body pains.

Unfortunately, for some people, aside from the mentioned symptoms and the red bumps and lesions, they also experience swelling glands in their groin area and will have difficulty when urinating. These symptoms can last about two to four weeks depending on the treatment being taken.

If not taken cared of and if the outbreak is intense, the red bumps, which is the first symptom of genital herpes will grow and burst. This will become an open sore, which is very painful, but will soon dry up and develop a scab. Don’t worry though as usually, when the crust or scab falls off, the open sore, lesion, or blister doesn’t leave a scar.

Now that you know what does genital herpes look like and develops into, you therefore need to be vigilant in checking out your private parts. While some may think that genital herpes is nothing but a disgusting disease or infection, it can also be life threatening. Make sure to see a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above. Don’t be ashamed as this can save your life.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about What Does Genital Herpes Look Like

Herpes Simplex Symptoms November 14, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

Herpes is a very common medical problem these days. You can get this if you’re a sexually active individual because the virus can easily be transmitted through the skin, mucous, and saliva. The herpes simplex symptoms vary from one individual to another. The severity generally depends on the location of the herpes and the extent of the infection.

Herpes simplex is the name of the virus which causes herpes and it is of two categories, namely – HSV-1 and HSV-2. Type 1 virus typically causes herpes on the facial areas while the type 2 virus causes genital herpes. The two virus categories are very contagious and around 50% of the young adult population has been infected. Once the virus is already in your body, it could remain dormant and is just waiting to be triggered once more.

You can be infected with herpes simplex once you have contact with an infected individual; but it is not always through sexual means. Skin to skin contacts are already enough to transmit the virus. An infected individual can also worsen his or her condition by spreading the virus in the different areas of their body. That is why when an infected individual touches the affected area, he or she should wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water.

When the outbreaks have occurred, the infected person should not engage in any sexual contact to prevent the spreading of the herpes simplex. If you don’t want to infect your sexual partner, you must abstain for about 2-3 weeks until the skin has completely healed.

The early signs of herpes simplex virus are similar to that of flu symptoms. You will get headaches, you become irritable or depressed, the lymph nodes become inflamed, and you will have fever. After feeling ill, the sores will now appear on the mouth or lip area (for HSV-1) and on the genital areas (for HSV-2).

Some women are not even aware that they have herpes because there are times when the blisters are located in the urethra or deep in the vagina. The blisters on the genital area appear like mild rash and it is quite painful but there is no need to worry as the healing cycle begins in about two weeks. If you want to heal much faster, you can use the available medications for herpes. There are medicines as well as natural remedies to control the herpes outbreak so that the healing cycle starts in about three days or so.

You’re very wrong if you think you can cure herpes. The infection can’t be cured even by using various antiviral medicines and other natural treatments. It can only lessen the occurrence of outbreaks or shorten the length of the outbreaks.

By keeping the affected area dry and clean at all times, herpes will soon disappear. Also, wear comfortable loose clothes and avoid the tight ones. Boost your immune system by taking vitamin C and other supplements. With a strong immune system, you can shorten herpes simplex symptoms.

Check your current lifestyle. You should try to avoid stressful situations and learn about proper time management. Getting enough sleep at night can also help. A healthy lifestyle, good hygiene practices, together with other natural treatments can prevent or shorten herpes simplex symptoms.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Herpes Simplex Symptoms

What Causes Herpes November 12, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

Among the most contagious viral infections plaguing different countries of the world is herpes. So, what causes herpes?

Two types of viruses called herpes simplex can cause the said infection and it can affect both men and women. Transmission of the disease is usually from men to women, especially during oral sex or sexual act.

The virus, Herpes Simplex, can also cause mononucleosis, oral herpes, shingles, chickenpox, cold sores or fever blisters. Did you know that even teens can have genital herpes? Records show that the youngest herpes infected individual is only 12 years old. Women are more prone to herpes as compared to men. People with mouth or cold sores can also transmit the virus very easily. If you experience recurrent herpes, you’re infected with the type 2 HSV.

Symptoms are usually felt for about two weeks but it can vary from one individual to another. Persons infected with herpes are likely to feel itching and pain. The incubation period of the virus lasts from 3-7 days and after that, lesions will develop. The lymph nodes will swell and the individual will have fever and headache. Painful sores can also develop bit there are also individuals who hardly feel any symptoms of herpes. Herpes outbreak lasts for two to three weeks.

Symptoms on women include sores on the cervix, anus, buttocks, and external genitals; some women also have groin lumps or lymphadenopathy. In men, the sores develop on the buttocks, anus, and thighs.

Today, infected individuals can easily manage the herpes symptoms. There are several drugs that you can turn to like famciclovir, valacyclovir, and acyclovir. These drugs can lesson or stop the symptoms. To relieve the pain, you can use paracetamol or aspirin, anaesthetic creams, and ice.

The anaesthetic creams should be used moderately to slow down the drying effects and you must avoid using douches, feminine deodorants, or antibacterial soaps. If you don’t want to get secondary infections, keep the area dry and clean at all times. It would also be best to refrain from having any sexual contact until the sores heal completely. You must wait until the scabs fall off and the lesion develops new skin.

While there are outbreaks, try to wear loose clothes. The urination pain can be decreased by drinking lots of water. You can also take a bath often to freshen up. If you touch the infected area, you must wash your hands thoroughly and avoid touching or rubbing your mouth or eyes; this one way to evade further infections. The infected areas can be given Epson salts baths to dry it out. Pat the area to dry off or you can use hair dryer. Before reusing any towels, you must wash it first and change your underwear often.

It’s also time to check your lifestyle. You must avoid stressful situations and you must get enough rest. Proper diet is also one way to prevent outbreaks because it helps to boost a healthy immune system.

There are ways to lessen or stop the herpes symptoms but if you know the exact causes of the infection, you can prevent it. You must know what causes herpes because by being knowledgeable, you can fight this infection before it gets to you.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about What Causes Herpes

Treating Genital Herpes November 11, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

Before you finally decide to treat genital herpes, it is a good idea to know more about this contagious disease or infection. Treating genital herpes should not be done without proper medical consultation first. Seeking professional medical help is a must especially for the first time patients especially if you plan to use the available medicines or drugs sold in the market.

The herpes virus has two strains and the type 2 virus is the one responsible for the genital herpes outbreaks. The symptoms of genital herpes are minimal. If you try to take a closer look at your genitals and the anal region, you will see blisters on the area. Since the herpes is located in a very sensitive area, some individuals don’t report it or they prefer not to seek medical help. By doing so, they are compromising the health of their sexual partner. Even if the herpes virus is dormant, you can still transmit it to your sexual partner. By taking proper treatment, you can prevent future herpes outbreaks or you can shorten the duration of such outbreaks.

There are various treatment options for genital herpes. You can use the medicine and drugs prescribed by doctors or you can opt for the natural treatments like herbs.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir is a drug which treats genital herpes. This is considered an anti viral medicine which can be used not only for genital herpes but also for treating cold sores, chicken pox, and shingles.

You must be aware that acyclovir can’t cure genital herpes because its main function is to prevent outbreaks or if the person is already suffering from herpes outbreaks, the drug can promote the healing process as soon as it is taken.

The DNA cells need certain enzymes for replication and so the herpes virus also needs such enzymes. Acyclovir acts by inhibiting such enzymes thereby stopping growth of the herpes virus. The body has a defense system which combats the herpes virus but with the aid of acyclovir, the multiplication of the virus is stopped more quickly.

Acyclovir also works by stopping the appearance of sores and rash associated with the virus. Once you take acyclovir, you must finish it according to the instructions even if the symptoms are no longer present.

At present, acyclovir is one of the best medicines to treat genital herpes, chicken pox, shingles, and cold sores. There are also other drugs that you can use like Famvir. When taking drugs like Acyclovir and Famvir, you need to be supervised by a licensed and qualified doctor. You can also talk to your doctor about alternative medicines like herbs. Some useful herbs are thyme, lemon balm, and green/white tea.

You can’t just take Acyclovir without proper medical consultation. You must provide the doctor with all the medical details. Pregnant women suffering from genital herpes can’t take the drug because it may have some effects to the unborn baby. Breastfeeding mothers are also not encouraged to take the drug without proper medical consultation.

Infections in the genital area show various symptoms and in the case of genital herpes, there is abnormal discharge, thick, profuse, colored, frothy blood. Itching and irritation is also present. When you experience these things, you should consult your doctor right away. Treating genital herpes can be done effectively if the doctor guides you in the treatment process.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Treating Genital Herpes

Herpes Zoster Symptoms November 10, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

Some individuals find it hard to believe that they have herpes zoster. You see, this type of infection hardly have visible symptoms like other diseases. But if you feel any throbbing or burning sensation in some areas of your body, especially around the mouth, eye, and genital area, it’s time to consult your doctor because you might be experiencing herpes zoster symptoms.

When you already have a herpes outbreak, you will notice blisters (with fluid inside it) scabbing over. Aside from the outbreak, some individuals also experience chills or fevers; if this happens, you might have shingles.

Causes of herpes zoster vary. Eating spicy food or even a gentle wind can lead to herpes outbreaks. Aside from that, people who are constantly exposed to stress and weak immune systems are also more prone.

Herpes zoster is caused by varicella virus. With this virus, a person can also catch chicken pox. According to medical experts, once an individual gets chickenpox, the virus is not eliminated and it stays dormant inside the body. When the virus is reactivated, that person can get herpes.

You can easily tell if you have herpes zoster especially if you feel burning sensations and pain. When the virus is activated, it will immediately spread into your nerves. After it reaches your skin, the affected area becomes reddish and in just a couple of days, you will notice skin blisters that scab over. The outbreak can last for 2-3 weeks.

Herpes zoster can be found usually in the mouth, nape, forehead, and the lower and middle face areas. If it’s near the eyes then it could be quite dangerous because the eyesight maybe be affected. Aside from that, infections found in any of the face areas can cause facial paralysis, taste loss, and hearing loss. There are even times when herpes causes nerve pains which could last for a long time.

It would be best to seek medical help so that your condition is properly diagnosed. Only an experienced and knowledgeable doctor can identify herpes zoster. Herpes can’t be cured and that is already a known fact. The medications and treatment options available today can only suppress the symptoms and kill the pain. When you visit the doctor, he or she will examine the symptom’s severity. Only then can the doctor prescribed the right medication for you.

When you feel a burning sensation and pain on your face, you might have a herpes outbreak in a few days. If you’re not sure, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. Don’t wait until the symptoms get worse. It would be a wise move to treat the symptoms as soon as they appear so that your condition will not get worse. There are prescription medicines, creams, and topical applications. If you find these medications quite costly, you can turn to herbal treatments like thyme, tea, lemon balm, and other effective herbs.

Herpes zoster is not a life threatening disease however, proper attention should be given to it as it can cause embarrassment to you. It can also affect your self esteem and self confidence. You must therefore act right away once you experience herpes zoster symptoms.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Herpes Zoster Symptoms

Popping Herpes Blisters November 9, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

Popping herpes blisters occur when herpes blisters erupt. Herpes blisters are caused by the HSV or herpes simplex virus. This virus is of two categories – HSV-1 and HSV-2. Type 1 causes mouth sores and on the lip area. Genital herpes is caused by the type 2 virus. It is very important that you treat herpes as soon as outbreaks occur to avoid scarring, pain, and even certain complications.

Once you get the virus, it will not leave your body but it will remain dormant until it is triggered once more. You must be aware that herpes is very contagious and you can transmit the infection through mucous, saliva, and skin. Even a herpes blister can be transmitted easily and it can infect many individuals.

Herpes blisters are primarily due to the type 1 virus. Cold sores are also caused by such virus. The infection can happen at any age range and very young kids are more prone to it. Previous herpes sufferers can already tell if an outbreak will occur because they are already familiar with the signs like numbness, tingling sensations, and itching. First time infected individuals are not familiar with such signs or symptoms and so it would a great help if they know some useful information regarding this contagious condition.

When the herpes blisters erupt, you can feel severe pain. But don’t worry because healing will begin soon. As days pass, you will notice the blisters becoming less noticeable and smaller. When the blisters turn to gray ulcers, scabbing will develop and once these scabs dry off, healing is completed.

During the popping of herpes blisters, you must keep your body hydrated at all times. Blisters found on the mouth and lip areas can be easily treated using natural remedies like herbs. To shorten the outbreaks, gargle a baking soda wash and increase your vitamin C intake. To prevent spreading of the blisters, you have to wash your hands thoroughly especially if you’re able to touch the affected area.

Herpes blisters can also develop in the genital area. The virus responsible for such outbreaks is the HSV-2. Sexually active individuals are more prone to this kind of infection. Before the outbreak appears, the infected person will usually feel itching, tenderness, and pain. In men, the herpes blisters will typically appear on their penis while in women, the herpes blisters appear on the cervix and vaginal area. Severe outbreaks can even cause sores on the buttocks and thighs.

The healing process varies from one person to another. If you want to shorten the length of the outbreaks, you can ask your doctor about anti viral medicines and if you want, you can also incorporate chemical free and natural products like healing herbs. You can’t cure herpes blisters but you can control the outbreaks and kill the pain.

There are also topical applications available in the market which usually contain herbal extracts and these are quite effective in treating popping herpes blisters.

Educate yourself about popping herpes blisters especially if you’re not infected with the virus. That way, you can prevent or avoid herpes. By consulting a doctor, you can effectively treat the infection and minimize the outbreak impacts. Seek medical advice if you feel any of the signs of herpes blisters. Don’t wait until the outbreaks show up; treat them as soon as you feel the herpes signs.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Popping Herpes Blisters

Herbal Treatments for Herpes November 8, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

The symptoms of herpes can be healed or prevented by using natural herbs. Some of the herbal treatments for herpes are essential oils, tinctures, and herbal teas. The herbal treatments can be used topically or orally and you don’t have to worry about any side effects. For decades now, these herbal treatments have been used by many people. Read on to find out what herbs are best used to treat herpes.

Melissa or lemon balm is quite expensive but you can easily find them in the market. To avoid oral herpes, add a few drops of the essential oil to the day cream you’re using. Lemon balm is also available in tea form and you can drink it everyday for more effective results. You can create your own tea by chopping lemon balm leaves. Use two teaspoon of lemon balm for a cup of water and boil it; brew it for another ten minutes.

Prunella vulgaris is another herbal treatment that you can use. This herb is also called ‘heal all’ or ‘self heal’. By mixing this herb with olive leaf extracts, lysine, and vitamin C. this mixture can suppress the outbreak of herpes.

You can also use Siberian ginseng or eleutherococcus to treat type 2 herpes virus. You can’t use this herb for treating the type 1 HSV though.
Oftentimes, herpes and cold sores are due to stress. Ginseng helps in dealing with mental and physical stress due to exposures to viruses, physical exhaustion, pollution, noise, chemicals, and other things. Ginseng can also stimulate the immune system thereby preventing outbreaks. However, individuals suffering from apnea, narcolepsy, and high blood pressure should not use Siberian ginseng. Breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women are also not allowed to use such herb.

Some herbalists say that herbs are much more useful when taken in liquid form. Any kind of tea can ease the HSP type 1 symptoms since the falvenoids and polyphenols boost the immune system. Some studies also show that the HSV type 2 can also be suppressed by drinking tea regularly. Once the immune system is stimulated against viruses and bacteria, it will inhibit the occurrence of the two types of HSVs.

White and green teas are quite effective and you must take it regularly. Some individuals say that by applying the tea bags or brewed tea on the infected area, the healing process is faster which can only take 4 days.

Tea tincture is also good for healing herpes. It would be best to choose teas without caffeine for best results.

There is another herb that you can use, it is called thyme. This herb is an antiseptic and you can use it internally or externally. It promotes the production of leucocytes and can prevent herpes outbreaks. Each day, you can take thyme tea by boiling a cup of water with one tablespoon of thyme. You can even use thyme as a tonic and you must take it regularly. There are no side effects and it’s quite effective. Even pregnant women can use this herb. For those taking anti inflammatory medications, try to ask your doctor about it first.

As you can see, there are many herbal treatments for herpes. If you know how to use the herbs properly, herpes can be prevented. Use the herbs as instructed to see best results.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Herbal Treatments for Herpes

Female Genital Herpes November 6, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

Herpes is not a life threatening disease however if you don’t want to create complications in the future, you need to control the symptoms as soon as they appear. Female genital herpes is usually caused by the type 2 herpes simplex. It is a virus that once acquired, will remain in the body of the infected individual.

You can’t cure herpes but with the aid of some herpes treatments, you can control the symptoms and the duration of the herpes outbreaks. It is not only the female who is susceptible to such infection; even men can catch the virus especially through sexual transmission.

There are two strains of herpes virus that cause the infection. The first type causes cold sores which affects some portions of the face, particularly around the mouth or lip area. The other virus strain causes genital herpes and in the case of an infected female, herpes covers the vaginal area (in and out), labia, anus, and it can also extend to the thighs.

Since female genital herpes is transmitted through sexual means, the best prevention method is wearing a condom. However, there’s still a high chance for the sexual partner to catch the virus and so it would be best if the infected female abstains from sex. When the herpes is at its remission stage, the female may still be able to transmit the virus, so be extra careful.

Acyclovir is a drug used to treat genital herpes. The drug works by decreasing the extent and length of the herpes outbreaks. However, the primary function of this drug is to prevent herpes outbreaks. This drug also has a tendency to be toxic especially when used for more than a year and a qualified doctor should oversee and manage the use of such drug. When you’re taking suppressive treatments, you can also take Famvir everyday. Remember to consult your doctor first before taking this drug because it is intended for individuals who have more than 6 herpes outbreaks every year.

Herpes outbreaks depend in the person’s overall health, the degree of severity of the genital herpes, and the immune system’s health. Healthier individuals tend to have fewer outbreaks in a year and so it is vital that infected individuals check their lifestyle.

According to some medical experts, infected females (or males) should opt for a healthier diet and they should exercise regularly.

Cardio exercises are great and doing this 30 minutes a day can make you healthier. You can consult a dietician so that you can be guided in choosing the right kinds of food and you also have to drink lots of water, at least eight glasses everyday.

Drinking green and white tea can also help the person control the herpes outbreaks. Some say that the tree leaves of the black walnut is also effective in treating genital herpes because it has antiseptic, toning, astringent, and hemostatic properties. By using the leaves, you can use it as a disinfectant to relieve pain and increase the healing process.

Female genital herpes may not sound very dangerous but it is highly contagious. It’s also a bit embarrassing especially if you have a sexual partner. You must treat the symptoms as soon as they appear and avoid sexual contact; that way, you can’t infect your partner.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about Female Genital Herpes

Herpes Simplex Image November 5, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

herpes simplex

herpes simplex

herpesanswers.net

First Sign of Herpes November 5, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

Did you know that there are about 80 million Americans infected with herpes? This is a sexually transmitted disease and every year, the number of infected individuals continues to increase and is not slowing down. Genital herpes is among the most common type of herpes and about 500,000 Americans every year are diagnosed with such infection. How can you tell if you have herpes? What is the first sign of herpes?

To start with, you must be aware that herpes is primarily transmitted through oral sex and or sexual intercourse. Two viruses are said to cause the infection – type 1 herpes simplex and the type 2 herpes simplex virus.

These viruses can affect different parts of the body. The type 1 virus is the primary cause of oral herpes while the type 2 virus is said to be the cause of genital herpes. These viruses are highly contagious and individuals with open sores are more prone to it.

The first signs of herpes are blisters, painful bumps, and itching. The signs or symptoms usually vary from one individual to another. Other individuals may experience burning sensations especially when urinating while others find open sores on their most private area. Sometimes, the symptoms can also be similar to that of having flu and so it’s quite hard to tell if you have the infection or not.

First time patients experience severe signs like chills, headaches, fatigue, and the lymph glands are usually swollen. Blisters that flare up typically lasts for about two weeks but if the individual’s immune system is affected, the signs or symptoms tend to last a lot longer.

So if you’re genital area itches and you experience symptoms similar to that of flu, you must not touch the infected area and seek medical help at once.

You can get herpes not only through sexual intercourse. You can also get the infection through physical interaction with people with cold sores or otherwise know as oral herpes. Those who were previously infected with herpes can have recurrence of the symptoms every now and then, so don’t be surprised if you notice any of the symptoms or signs coming back.

At present, there is no way to cure herpes. However, you can find available medications in the market that treats the symptoms. By taking any of the medications, you can stop the symptoms of herpes in just a couple of days. If you want to treat the symptoms or signs of herpes, you must be able to treat it at once.

There are also times when herpes is mistaken for vaginal boils or yeast infection. To avoid being misdiagnosed, it would help a lot if you conduct a search about herpes. There are lots of information resources online. Gather as much information about it so that you will know the first signs of the infection. That way, you can easily tell if you have the herpes virus or not.

If this is your first time to have this infection, you need to seek medical help at once so that your condition can be properly diagnosed. Consult a doctor immediately; that way, you will know what to do just in case you experience the first sign of herpes.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about First Sign of Herpes

How Do You Get Herpes November 3, 2008

Posted by herpesanswers in health.
Tags:
add a comment

How do you get herpes? How is the herpes virus transmitted?

Herpes is caused by the virus called herpes simplex. The virus is of two categories – HSV-1 and HSV-2. These viruses can enter the body through mucous membranes and tiny skin cuts. The mucous membranes refer to the anus, genitals, and mouth; so that would mean that you can get the virus through sexual contact and by simply kissing an infected person. Once the skin lesions begin to shed, the higher the chance of virus transmission.

If you’re infected with genital herpes, you can infect your partner through sexual intercourse. If the herpes outbreak is still active, your partner is more susceptible to the virus. Transmission can also take place in oral sex. If you have cold sores and you’re involved with oral sex, the virus can also be passed on to your partner. There are also times when asymptomatic shedding occurs and so the herpes is not visible. If that individual engages in any sexual activity, the virus will still be transmitted.

Prodome phase is when you already feel itching, burning or tingling sensations, and pain prior to the herpes outbreak. In this phase, possible virus transmission is quite high. The individual should be responsible enough to abstain from any sexual act at this phase.

As mentioned earlier, herpes can also be transmitted in other ways like skin cuts, infected individuals should also restrain from touching the affected area to avoid infecting other parts of the body. If you touch the affected area, refrain from rubbing or scratching other parts of the body; instead, wash your hands thoroughly. Try to maintain the cleanliness of the affected area. You can use water and soap when washing and you have to keep the area dry. You can pat it dry or you can use a hair dryer if you have one at home.

Gather as much information about herpes and its symptoms. The internet can help you in your search. You can use any of the search engines and type ‘herpes’. You will surely generate lots of results. You can save the info if you like for future reference. That way, you can check if you have the herpes symptoms.

The information you gather about herpes should not be used to replace medical advice. If you’re unsure, you can always visit your doctor and consult your current condition. Any one can be infected with herpes simplex so you should be prepared to combat it.

Once you get the infection, you can’t cure it. Prevention is the best answer when it comes to herpes. Having too many sexual partners is discouraged because you might be infected with the virus. Try to have only one sexual partner and you have to ensure that you’re partner is not infected with the virus. How do you get herpes? Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore because now you know how it is transmitted.

Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women’s issues, parenting and other health related stuffs. Click on the link to learn more about How Do You Get Herpes