Genital Herpes

Now, isn’t this an unsettling thought? But before you start fearing the worst, know that not all get afflicted with this condition and those who do, generally recover. Let’s see what this disease is all about.

Herpes defined

Herpes is a viral infection that commonly affects the mouth and genital regions. In US alone, fifty to eighty percent of the adult population carries oral herpes and twenty percent or over fifty million people, genital herpes. And the majority of these remain ignorant about it!

Both oral herpes, which manifests itself as cold sores or fever blisters, and genital herpes that appears as genital sores or sores below the waist, is caused by herpes simplex virus. Since this virus weakens the immune system, it’s important to keep herpes in check at all times.

Getting herpes

The good news is herpes doesn’t spread through air, but the bad news is it does through skin contact. A mere touch is enough, especially if the skin has sores. So, be careful with strangers, while kissing or having oral sex or intercourse. An uninfected individual has about seventy-five percent chances of contracting herpes during intimate contact. Even if you don’t see anything on your skin, but experience itching or other sensations, be warned it may be herpes. The first outbreak is usually painful and may cause itching, burning or tingling. It may also display flu-like symptoms of swollen glands, headache, muscle ache and fever.