HERPES

 

What is it?

Painful, blister-like sores that appear on and in penis, vagina and/or anus; sometimes around mouth or point of contact.  No cure, only medical treatment.  Herpes sores go away but may return.  Some patients have 4-7 flare-ups a year.  Flare-ups can be prevented.

 

How do I get it?
By direct contact.  Highly contagious if there are open sores.  Can spread before sores form or after they heal. Virus from one person enter another's body through cuts, genital openings, mouth.  Moves from one part of body to another when you touch infected area.

 

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms range from none to severe.  Within 2-10 days after contact painful blisters may appear on contact areas.  Symptoms may include swollen lymph glands, aching muscles, fever, headache.  Blisters dry up, leaving painful sores.  Blisters return when victim is under stress.  Recurring attacks are less painful, heal faster.  Early treatment gives best results.

 

Is it dangerous?
Highly infectious.  Sores hurt.  Virus remains in the body.  Women with herpes must have pap smear twice yearly because of suspected link between Herpes and cervical cancer.  Continued medical treatment recommended.

 

Is it common?
VERY.  500,000 to 1 million new cases each year.  Pregnant women with herpes can infect babies: 3,000 - 10,000 newborns infected yearly.  Some persons have no symptoms but may unknowingly pass along the infection.

 

How do I get rid of it?
NO CURE.  Treatment:  prescription medicine, ointment or capsule, eases pain, shortens attack.  Herpes may seem to go away after treatment.  That doesn't mean you're rid of it.  Too much sun seems to cause attacks.  Avoid sex and tight clothes during attack.  Daily suppressive therapy is available.

 

REMEMBER:
You have to live with it until a cure is found.  Have sex only between attacks and always use a condom during sex.  Never have sex with someone who has genital sores.  NO SEX WHEN HERPES IS ACTIVE OR SHEDDING.  Diagnosis and counseling essential.  You can get a different Herpes infection on top of the one you already have.

 

For more information contact your local health department or physician.