Herpes Simplex 2
Many people would rather not know that they have herpes simplex 2, otherwise known as genital herpes. The virus is sexually transmitted and has all types of stigmas attached to it that can cause emotional stress in many people. The first thing to know is that herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. One in every five sexually active Americans has the virus. There is a lot of information available about herpes simplex 2 and it is easy to find people to talk to about the condition.
Many people confuse two different strains of the herpes virus: herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2. Herpes simplex 1 causes cold sores which develop on the mouth or in other facial areas. It can be transferred to another person by skin to skin contact, whether an outbreak of sores is present at the time or not. This means you can give herpes simplex 1 to another person simply by kissing them. It can be transferred by relatives and friends as well as lovers. That is why by the time they reach the age of fifty, 90% of all Americans will have this virus that causes cold sores. The only way a person can get genital herpes or herpes simplex 2 from someone with cold sores is by oral sex.
Genital herpes is usually contracted by skin to skin contact with another person who has genital herpes. This can be by vaginal, anal or oral sex. Transferal of the virus is highly likely when open sores are present but it is possible to spread the virus when it is in an inactive state, and the virus can even be transferred by someone who does not even know that he or she has the virus.
The symptoms of herpes simplex 2 are a tingling, numbness or burning on a spot in the area of the genitals. A couple days later a sore or a group of sores will appear. These can be on the thighs or buttocks but in women they are usually in the vagina or pubic area and in men they are usually on or around penis or anal area. These little sores are filled with fluid and can be painful. They will burst and then the spots will start to dry up and heal. This process usually takes 2-4 weeks but can take longer. When the sores are present the virus is highly contagious.
A person can have herpes simplex 2 and never have an active outbreak. Or a person can have an active outbreak and then the virus can just go into an inactive state for weeks, months or years. Many things can trigger another active outbreak of sores--stress, lack of sleep, an impaired immune system, surgery, sunlight, fatigue, some kinds of foods, steroids, menstrual periods, pregnancy or other conditions. People should abstain from sex when the virus is active and condoms can prevent the spread of disease during inactive periods.
There are many prescribed antiviral medications for the treatment of herpes. These can help heal the sores and decrease the frequency of outbreaks. There is no vaccine at this time for herpes simplex 2 and there is no cure. Your doctor or medical practitioner can do blood tests for herpes simplex 2 antibodies to help diagnose the virus.