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Frequently Asked
Questions
Herpes, genital herpes, HSV, HSV 1, HSV 2,
Herpes Testing, Herpes Symptoms, Herpes Treatment,
Herpes Dating
Q: How common is
herpes?
A: Most Americans have herpes, either as
genital herpes, or as cold sores,
the main difference is site of preference and social
acceptance. Experts estimate that 60 million
Americans have the virus that causes the genital
form of herpes. In a recent study conducted by the
Kaiser Family Foundation and The American Social
Health Association, there are more than 15 million
new cases of sexually transmitted infections
each year. That’s 41,095 people, newly infected,
every day!
Up to 80 percent of Americans have the most common
form of herpes (HSV-1)
at some time. It usually appears as oral herpes and
is most often spread without sexual contact.
Q: What are the symptoms of
Oral Herpes?
A: “Cold sores” or “fever blisters”
usually show up on the lips or inside the mouth.
They are common in young children. Brief, direct
contact is all that’s needed to pass the virus. Cold
sores are annoying but harmless in children and
adults. But cold sores are very harmful to a
newborn. Oral herpes in adults is usually a
“flare-up” of a childhood infection.
Q: What are the symptoms of
Genital Herpes?
A: Very often there are none. The most common
symptom is a cluster of blistery sores — usually but
not always on the vagina,
vulva, cervix,
penis, buttocks, or
anus. Symptoms may last several
weeks and go away. They may return in weeks, months,
or years.
The first episode of symptoms of a genital herpes
infection is called “primary herpes.”
Symptoms may include:
• blisters
• open sores
• pain in the infected area
• itching
• burning feelings if urine flows over sores
• inability to urinate if severe swelling of sores
blocks the urethra
Very severe first episodes may have symptoms that
include:
• swollen, tender lymph
glands in the groin,
throat, and under the arms
• fever
• chills
• headache
• general run-down feelings
• achy, flu-like feelings
The symptoms of later episodes are usually less
severe than the first.
Many people carry the virus in their bodies but do
not have their first episode of symptoms until they
are infected another time.
Q: What is “tingling”?
A: Many people who are newly infected will hear a
common description of “tingling” in connection with
outbreaks. Tingling has been described best as a
sensation similar to that of a rub burn, scraping of
the skin or a feeling that the
muscle has gone to sleep.
“Tingling” sensations associated with Genital Herpes
have been most common in the calf, thigh, buttocks
or lower back. “Tingling” sensations associated with
Oral Herpes have been most common in the neck,
jaw-line or muscles surrounding the mouth.
Q: Who is most susceptible
to herpes?
A: Anyone who has sex; this
includes vaginal, oral, or anal contact. But most
people with genital herpes never recognize the signs
of infection. So there are lots of people who have
herpes and don’t even know it.
Q: Can I spread
Herpes even when I am not having an
outbreak?
A: Yes. The genital herpes virus
can still be spread through the skin although there
are no visible signs of an outbreak. This is called
asymptomatic viral shedding. Up to
70% of people catch genital herpes from an infected
partner who has no signs or symptoms. And since the
symptoms are not always obvious, nine out of ten
people who have genital herpes don’t even know
they’re having an outbreak.
Q: I have Herpes, am I at
risk of contracting another sexually transmitted
infection?
A: Studies suggest that being infected with genital
herpes may increase the likelihood of contracting
other STDs while open sores are present. You and
your partner should get tested for all types of STDs
and continue practicing safe sex.
Q: How can my
partner find out if he or she has
genital herpes?
A: You should be open to the possibility that your
partner may also have Genital Herpes. Nearly 85% of
people who are infected with
HSV-2
are unaware, because symptoms can be so subtle. Try
to encourage your partner to speak to his or her
healthcare provider. It’s far better to know what
you’re dealing with so you can reduce the risk of
spreading the herpes virus to others.
Q: What could happen if I
have genital herpes and don’t know it?
A: You could pass it on to a partner. Or, if your
partner has herpes and doesn’t know it, he or she
could pass it to you. You could also spread herpes
to another part of your body, like your mouth or
your finger.
Q: If I am
pregnant and have genital herpes, will I
pass it on to my baby?
A: Women with genital herpes can have healthy
babies. However, it is possible, if you become
infected during pregnancy or you
have an outbreak at the time of delivery, to
transmit the infection to your baby. Therefore, it
is particularly important to take appropriate
precautions to prevent becoming
infected during pregnancy, particularly if your
partner has genital herpes and you don’t. It is
strongly recommended that pregnant women who suspect
that they may have genital herpes discuss this with
their doctor or healthcare provider
because there are precautions that can be taken to
help protect the baby from
infection.
Q: I think I may have
genital herpes, what should I do?
A: With the help of your doctor or healthcare
provider, genital herpes can be managed. Don’t take
a chance. If you think you or your partner might
have genital herpes, see your doctor or healthcare
provider right away. Ask your doctor for a
type-specific blood test. There are
only two FDA-approved type-specific tests on the
market. Herpes Select 1 and 2 ELISA
produced by Focus Technologies and POCkit
HSV-2 rapid point of care produced by
Diagnology. Remember, herpes thrives on ignorance.
Q: How long does it take
for sores to appear after infection?
A: In most “textbook” cases, primary herpes usually
begins from two to three weeks after the virus
enters the body. In some cases it has taken only a
couple of days, while in others it can take much
longer.
Q: What causes recurring
outbreaks?
A: No one can be certain, however, in many cases
recurrent outbreaks have been associated with other
infections, stress, surgery, menstruation, sexual
intercourse, and skin irritations
like sunburn may bring on recurrences. A good diet,
enough rest and sleep, and peace of mind may prevent
recurrences.
Q: How can symptoms be
relieved?
A: Warm baths or wet tea bags (not herbal) may give
relief. Loose cotton clothes will help prevent
chafing. Keep the sores dry by sprinkling cornstarch
in undergarments — moisture can slow healing.
Holding cool compresses or ice packs to the sores
may be soothing. Aspirin, acetaminophen, or
ibuprofen may help relieve pain and
fever.
A
clinician may prescribe acyclovir,
famiciclovir, or
valacyclovir. They may speed up the healing
of sores and weaken the virus. Using these medicines
during outbreaks themselves is called episodic
therapy.
I personally recommend trying a treatment with all
natural therapy to minimize the
physical pain of the lesions while the prescribed
antiviral does its job. H-Balm has
been reported to minimize the length of outbreaks as
well as reducing associated pain.
Q: Is there a cure for
Herpes?
A: NO! However, in most cases outbreaks become fewer
and weaker over the course of a few years. They
usually end within five or six years. Though it is
very important to always remember that just because
you do not have outbreaks does not mean you cannot
pass on the virus. You are required by law in most
states to disclose this information to your partner.
Knowingly infecting a partner is against the law!
Q: Does Herpes cause cancer
of the cervix?
A: No. Cervical cancer is associated with certain
types of human papilloma viruses — but not the ones
that cause genital warts. Pap tests
can detect very early precancerous changes in the
cervix. All women should have a Pap test at least
once a year. |
