Herpes

Herpes Simplex Symptoms November 14, 2008

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…